Teachers at two Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. elementary schools received new school supplies thanks to the generosity of a local church.
Ninety bags filled with pencils, dry-erase markers, Kleenex, sticky notes and candy were donated by the Faith Ministries men’s ministry and will be given to teachers at Clifty Creek and Taylorsville elementary schools. The church took on the project since many teachers often pay for school supplies out of their own pockets, said Pastor Tony McClendon, of Faith Ministries.
McClendon, who also serves as director of multicultural diversity for the district, told BCSC superintendent Jim Roberts, Clifty Creek Principal Michael Parsons and Taylorsville Principal Sydell Gant that the church plans to make donations to other BCSC schools in the future.
“Our goal is to not make this a one-time deal,” McClendon said. “We want to help out wherever we can.”
The gesture also was a way of reaching out to become more involved with schools and students in the area, said Joseph Jefferson, superintendent of grounds and buildings at Faith Ministries. Jefferson is also a member of the men’s ministry at the church.
“They’re small things, but they’re needed,” Jefferson said of the supplies.
Parsons, who expressed his appreciation, said the school supplies will be put to good use and will allow teachers to further the needs of their students.
“This is a really great opportunity to build relationships in our community,” Parsons said.
Gant said the donation will ease the financial burden that many teachers face.
“We’re very touched by their compassion and thoughtfulness,” she said.
