The backpacks were packed with classroom basics including notebooks, construction paper, rulers, glue sticks, crayons, scissors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pencils, pens and sharpeners. Each also included a colorful note wishing its recipient a good school year. Donald Treich coordinated the collection, stuffing and distribution.
First Baptist Church of Kenilworth was among six organizations that received backpacks to share with area children. The other recipients were St. John's Roman Catholic Soup Kitchen in Newark; St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Jersey City; St. Stephan's Grace Community–ELCA in Newark's Ironbound; and YWCA Union County in Elizabeth.
During worship on Aug. 23, Pastor Jane McCready led a blessing of the backpacks before distribution. Faith Lutheran Church is at 524 South Street in New Providence; more information is available at famfaith.org or by calling 908-464-5177.
