Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is holding its 7th Annual Evangelistic Outreach Event on July 28

By LAURIE D. WILLIS


CWINSTON-SALEM, N. C. – Each August, thousands of kids return to school across the city – but not all of them go back with the school supplies they need.

Some parents can’t afford to purchase school supplies for their children, particularly when they have more than one child.

That’s why Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is holding its 7th Annual Evangelistic Outreach Event on July 28. On that Saturday, book bags filled with school supplies will be given to children who are accompanied by their parents or guardians. Food will be served, Novant Health will provide free screenings for diabetes, hypertension and other illnesses and Triad Family Dental will provide free dental screenings for children.

“Luke 12:48 says to whom much is given much is required. We’ve been blessed at Phillips Chapel, so it’s only just that we in turn bless the community,” said Senior Pastor Chad R. Armstrong. “We know the cost of school supplies can quickly add up, particularly when there are many children in the same family.”

Although Phillips Chapel is sponsoring the outreach, organizer Marcellette Orange said the church is accepting donations of school supplies or money with which to buy them.

“This time of the year many people want to help parents who can’t afford to purchase their children’s school supplies, but they’re not quite sure how to go about it,” Orange said “By partnering with us, people can be a blessing to others in need.”

Orange said among school supplies still needed for the book bags are: 10-count C washable markers; 8-count No. 2 lead pencils; 24-count crayons; and 2-pack yellow highlighters.

“We want to ensure that the kids who attend our outreach will leave with the school supplies required by Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools,” Orange said. “Anyone who wants to donate school supplies or money for our Outreach can drop by Phillips Chapel from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and someone will be on hand to accept their donations.”

The Outreach is being held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 28. Parents or guardians and their children must arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to register for the book bags/supplies. Before book bags are distributed, parents must attend a parenting workshop, and children must complete three of the character and team-building activities in the Kid Zone.

“Our goal is not only to give away school supplies, but we also want to prepare parents to become advocates for their children by equipping them with the tools they need to help their children succeed in school,” Orange said. “It’s critically important for parents to take active roles in their children’s educational well-being.”

Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 77th anniversary earlier this month. Armstrong said church members want the Outreach to be a fun, educational and spiritual day for the community.

“Besides blessing kids with book bags and school supplies, we will also take advantage of the opportunity to try to win some souls to Christ,” he said. “The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, ‘But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.’ We’ll have fun on July 28 while sharing the goodness of the Lord. I truly hope the community will support us in this very worthwhile endeavor.”

For questions or to donate school supplies or money, please call Phillips Chapel at 336.723.9451, or email Orange at morange926@hotmail.com.