Church's Gift Benefits District Students

Pastor Jason Williams and members of Valley Community Church pulled up to Prairie Branch Elementary on Wednesday, August 8 th , hauling a trailer brimming with school supplies for the district’s Kindergarten students.

For the second year, all incoming Kindergarteners at each of the four elementary schools in the Grain Valley School District will have their school supplies provided by the church. All items on each school’s supply list will be provided for Kindergarteners, except for student backpacks and lunch boxes.

The church works with each individual school to coordinate the drop-off of supplies the first few weeks of August, enabling teachers to organize supplies in their classrooms well before the first day of school.

Jolaina Lawler, a Kindergarten teacher for the past 13 years at Prairie Branch Elementary, and a total of 22 years in the district, was the first recipient of supplies on delivery day. As Williams unloaded case upon case of binders and facial tissue in her room, Lawler marveled at the supplies and praised the project. “We are just so thankful because there are a lot of families in the district who cannot afford to

purchase needed supplies. This starts everyone on an even playing field.”

Lawler says the project benefits the teachers as well, as teachers often purchase many supplies from their own pockets. “It’s so helpful. It makes the kids so excited, which helps us as well.”

The church plans to continue the program as a part of their overall mission to serve the community. For more information on Valley Community Church and their annual school supply effort, visit http:// www.grainvalley.church.

Prairie Branch Elementary Kindergarten teacher Jolaina Lawler, receives supplies for all of her students through a program sponsored by Valley Community Church.