Kids help kids through VBS project at Nichols Hills
The project they chose gave VBS children a hands-on opportunity to help other children.
The church has been partnering with the school, located just a few miles away, providing tutoring, classroom supplies, teacher events, and more.
North Highland is designated as a Priority School by the State Department of Education; it rated an "F" school report card score.
The principal told Nichols Hills UMC leaders that many of the students do not bring the supplies they need to school. So the church’s Missions Committee and VBS leadership collaborated to provide those items to all the first- and second-graders at North Highland.
Youngsters participating in the one-day VBS walked along an assembly line, filling colorful backpacks with all the supplies.
Youth helpers and adult church members also took part. When all the packs were filled, the children carried them to the church sanctuary.
The following Sunday, a backpack blessing was offered in worship. North Highland Principal Anita Jones and Assistant Principal Evelyn attended.
After the service, Nichols Hills UMC children and youths helped load the packs into cars.
The backpacks were distributed to students at the elementary school on Registration Day.
The Nichols Hills congregation donated more than $2,200 to purchase the packs and supplies (folders, pencils, crayons, scissors, writing paper, glue sticks, pencil boxes, tissue, hand sanitizer) for 150 children.
Gracie Buxton, left, and her sister Kneely pack school supplies at OKC-Nichols Hills for students at a nearby elementary. Adult volunteer is Kay Musser.