GoodHeart | Community spirit shines bright
Hundreds of students benefit from Pentecostal Redeemed Church of God Back-to-School treat
Published:Saturday | August 31, 2024 | 12:07 AMRollesha Laing/ Assistant Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor
Bright smiles and excitement filled the air at 22 Greenwich Road in Arnett Gardens, Kingston, last Saturday as hundreds of eager students lined up, thrilled to receive school supplies just weeks before the new term begins. One grandparent, there for the first time with her grandchildren called it a “true blessing”. And it’s all thanks to the efforts of the Sunday School department of the Pentecostal Redeemed Church of God.
“Receiving the [back-to-school] packages really eases the pressure off us this year as preparation has not been easy for the new school term. I just know that this small gesture will go a long way.” Eula Coleman told GoodHeart, as she helped to zip the bright multi-coloured school bag on her granddaughter’s back.
But this tradition is over a decade strong.
The now-annual Back to School treat event offers school bags, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other stationery supplies for children in the community, ranging from early childhood to secondary school. For children who are members of the church, their packages also include one or two textbooks from the new term’s booklist, provided by their parents.
Pastor Michael Bailey, who oversees the youth and Sunday school departments, told The Gleaner that preparation for the event typically starts as early as December of the previous year through a series of fundraisers.
“Our committee starts our fundraising events on the 26th of December each year through a beach trip and the proceeds go towards the next staging. And, as the year goes by we place refreshments on sale after church and occasional cake sales, among other activities. Members of the church also donated which helped to support our numbers” Bailey said.
For Tania Rose, the Back-to-School treat has been a cherished tradition. She and her now older children, along with relatives, have benefited from the event since its inception and she is happy to witness the growth of this community favourite over the years, “Me really happy to see the turn out today. All of my children and relatives would and still benefit from the treat. It’s really something I look forward to every year because I know we won’t be disappointed.”
According to the head of the church, Bishop Peter Calvert, this year’s target was 1000 students and judging by the way the line curved around the building, the target was surpassed.
“The numbers have really grown over the years. Our stretch target is usually 1,000, but this year it looks like we have more than that,” Calvert said with a smile as he looked around. “We’re a little worried, but I know the team will make sure that no one leaves empty-handed.”
Despite the event’s focus on younger students, the church occasionally extends its support to special needs students at the university level, helping them start the semester on a positive note.
In addition to the fundraisers, Calvert’s active Facebook friends and family are always eager to contribute to the initiative.
“Our weekly church services and events are streamed on Facebook and over time our supporters there have grown to contribute and lift up the ministry and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. My work colleagues also support, donating supplies and even monetary contributions. All of this is what continues to make the event possible and for that, we give God thanks.”