WILLIAMSBURG — While the summer heat rages on, the Grove Christian Outreach Center has started thinking cool thoughts about going back to school, noting it is time to begin collecting school supplies to help families who need the essentials for their students.
Grove Christian Outreach Center will provide school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and backpacks to over 200 students as well as partnering with James River Elementary School (JRES) and James City County Parks & Recreation over the school year to provide more opportunities for students.
Supplies are made available to students who reside in Grove neighborhoods and have registered with the Outreach Center.
“We are so grateful for the compassionate and consistent support the Grove Outreach Center provides to the families in our community,” said Angel Washington, James River Elementary School Principal. “The upcoming Back-to-School event will be a great opportunity for families to receive school supplies and school uniforms as we prepare for another amazing year of learning at JRES!”
The Center makes all required supplies available by grade and through the community’s generosity.
“Making sure kids are ready to return to learn is an integral part of building a healthy community” says Katie Patrick, Outreach Center Executive Director.
“When students from lower-income families show up to school with the supplies needed and feeling pride and joy about the shoes on their feet and the new backpack full of supplies, they enter on the same playing field as their peers.” Patrick continued, “We strive to meet the tangible and intangible needs of families and we know getting kids ready for the classroom is a great way to increase the likelihood for success.”
The Outreach Center hosts several events over the summer, including community dinners for ESL families, a School Readiness Academy with tutoring in reading and math, and summer lunch programs providing nutritious meals to over 100 school-aged children every week in Grove neighborhoods in cooperation with WJCC Schools and other community partners.
To donate, volunteer time to sort and pack backpacks, or to find out more about getting involved with Grove Christian Outreach Center, visit its webpage or call the office at 757 887-1100.
