How to get started

Begin by listening!  Make an appointment with the Principal of a school near your Church. Ask the question, “How can we assist you in Caring for the children of this community?”

The following list was put together for us by a Teacher at Molly Ray Elementary School.  There are some great ideas, but remember to respond to what the needs are that the school leadership shares – you can build from there.

Before School Starts

• Recognize the teachers in your Church and have a time of prayer for them.
• Send thank you notes to the teachers in the schools near your Church.
• Distribute backpacks and school supplies (provide good quality backpacks).

Providing Volunteers

Many School Boards now require volunteers to provide information for background and security checks.  Ask at the school office what is needed and allow sufficient time for processing.

• Be a mentor or tutor a child.
• Help landscape the school grounds or give the cafeteria a facelift – these projects can involve the children or youth from that school.
• Serve as a chaperone on field trips or for school dances.
• Photograph special events.
• Assist with class parties or with special projects
• Help in the media center or office.

Supplies, Gifts, Monetary Contributions

• Staff appreciation – small gifts for teachers can be as simple as apples, notepads, candy.
• Sponsor a child on a field trip.
• Provide clothing – new underwear, socks, shoes, gently worn pants, tops, jackets.  Check with the school first since storage is usually very limited.
• Thanksgiving baskets for families of the students.
• Christmas gifts for entire families including siblings not in the school and parents
• Holiday treats for a class – cookies, decorative plates and napkins
• Newspapers in Education
• BABGAB – Buy a book, give a book