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.
During worship on Aug. 23, Pastor Jane McCready led a blessing of the backpacks before they were delivered through six organizations: First Baptist Church of Kenilworth; 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.
Faith Lutheran Church is at 524 South Street in New Providence. More information is available at famfaith.org or by calling 908-464-5177.
