Support Irishtown’s Back to School Supply Giveaway This August

A new school year can bring excitement, fresh routines, and a long list of supplies for families to gather. For many households, that list can also bring real pressure. Notebooks, folders, paper, pencils, markers, glue, and scissors may seem simple on their own, but together they add up quickly.

That is why the current school items collection at Irishtown Baptist Ministry Center matters.

Irishtown is collecting school supplies now in preparation for its Back to School Supply Giveaway, which will take place Monday, August 10, at Irishtown. The goal is simple and practical: help students begin the school year prepared, encouraged, and ready to learn.

What Irishtown is collecting

The collection focuses on everyday classroom items students use from the first week of school onward. Donations of new school supplies can help fill backpacks, restock classrooms, and ease the burden on families preparing for the year ahead.

Items being collected include:

• Looseleaf paper

• Notebooks

• Folders

• Pencils

• Pens

• Markers

• Erasers

• Glue

• Scissors

• Other basic school supplies

  
  

These are the kinds of items that often get used up quickly. A folder tears. A pencil box runs low. Glue sticks disappear during projects. Markers dry out. When students have access to basic supplies, they can participate more fully in class without worrying about what they do not have.

Even a small donation can make a real difference. A pack of pencils, a few notebooks, or several folders can become part of a larger gift to a child or family in the community.

Why school supplies matter

School supplies do more than fill a desk or backpack. They help students show up with confidence.

A child who has a notebook can take notes. A student with pencils and erasers can complete assignments. A folder helps homework make it home and return to school. Markers, glue, and scissors help students take part in projects, hands-on lessons, and creative work.

Preparedness can affect how a student feels on the first day. Walking into a classroom with what is needed can remove one source of stress. It can also send a quiet but powerful message: someone cares, and you are not starting this year alone.

For families, a supply giveaway can create breathing room. Back-to-school costs often arrive all at once, along with clothing, shoes, lunch items, transportation needs, and schedule changes. When a church or ministry helps cover school supplies, it gives families one less expense to carry by themselves.

A practical way to serve families

The Back To School season is one of the most natural times for churches and neighbors to come alongside families. The need is clear, the items are easy to find, and the impact is immediate.

This collection is also a good example of how care can be both personal and practical. It does not require a complicated program to show love to the community. Sometimes care looks like a stack of notebooks, a box of crayons, or a pair of child-safe scissors placed in the right hands at the right time.

Irishtown Baptist Ministry Center’s effort reflects the heart of Compassion Ministry, Outreach, Partnership, and Missions in a direct way. It connects generosity with a real local need and invites people to take part in a shared act of support.

How to help with the giveaway

There are several simple ways to support the collection and the giveaway.

Donate school supplies.

Purchase new items from the collection list and bring them to Irishtown as part of the current drive. Basic items are welcome because they are needed by many students.

Give with variety in mind.

If possible, choose a mix of supplies. For example, a donation could include notebooks, pencils, folders, and glue. Variety helps organizers prepare more complete supply sets.

Invite others to participate.

Families, small groups, Sunday school classes, workplaces, and friend groups can collect items together. A shared collection can quickly grow into a meaningful contribution.

Volunteer or ask where help is needed.

Supply drives often involve sorting, organizing, preparing, greeting families, and helping on event day. If you are able to give time, ask where support would be most useful.

Pray for the students and families.

Prayer is a meaningful part of this effort. Pray for students as they begin the year, for parents and caregivers preparing for school routines, and for teachers and school staff serving children each day.

Event details to remember

The Back to School Supply Giveaway will take place:

Detail	Information
Event	Back to School Supply Giveaway
Date	Monday, August 10
Location	Irishtown Baptist Ministry Center
Collection items	Looseleaf paper, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, glue, scissors, and other school supplies
Contact	Pam Polkey, CKNB Compassion Ministries Coordinator

For questions about how to help, what to donate, or how to get involved, reach out to Pam Polkey, CKNB Compassion Ministries Coordinator.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of school supplies are most needed?

Irishtown is collecting basic classroom supplies, including looseleaf paper, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, glue, scissors, and similar items.

When is the Back to School Supply Giveaway?

The giveaway will take place Monday, August 10, at Irishtown.

Can I donate more than one type of item?

Yes. A mix of supplies can be especially helpful because it allows organizers to prepare more complete sets for students.

Who should I contact to learn more?

To learn more about helping or getting involved, reach out to Pam Polkey, CKNB Compassion Ministries Coordinator.

Every donation helps a student start ready

A successful school year starts with many small pieces. A notebook. A sharp pencil. A folder that keeps papers in one place. A bottle of glue for class projects. These supplies may look ordinary, but they help students walk into school ready to participate.

By supporting Irishtown Baptist Ministry Center’s school supply collection, the community can help make the first day of school a little easier for children and families. Pick up a few extra supplies, share the need with someone else, or ask how to volunteer. Together, small gifts can become a strong start for many students this August.