2022 Tuscaloosa Stake Primary Service Project
Stake Primary Service Project: Stuff-a-Backpack
We will be hosting "Stuff-A-Backpack" and we would love for every ward and branch to take part! Each unit will be assigned a list of school supplies to be collected between June 15-July 29, 2022. On or before July 29, each unit will transport their collected items to the Tuscaloosa Stake Center to be organized.
On Saturday, July 30, 2022, senior primary children from all units are invited to assemble backpacks at 10:00am at the Tuscaloosa church building. Following the backpack assembly, the children and leaders will gather to watch the "Friend to Friend" broadcast. Sack lunches will be distributed following the broadcast.
Even though this is a primary service project, we encourage participation from all unit organizations and families. Items will be collected by the ward or branch from Wednesday, June 15, 2022 until Friday, July 29, 2022.
Objectives:
To provide opportunities for the Holy Ghost to teach and testify of Jesus Christ to the primary children.
To provide an environment where the children can gain a testimony of Jesus Christ through service.
To create experiences among the primary children where they can feel the Spirit and know that Heavenly Father loves them and He loves those that are in need.
Goals:
To deliver 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in our stake and/or children that reside within our stake boundaries.
Directions:
Hold a school supply drive in your unit, collecting at least the amount of each item listed on your unit's assignment list.
Allow the children (junior & senior primary) to make personal and inspirational cards or notes to put into the bags.
Senior Primary will meet at 10:00am on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Tuscaloosa church building to assemble backpacks.
Following assembly, Senior Primary children will gather in the chapel to watch the Friend-to-Friend Broadcast.
Dates:
June 15, 2022:
Units begin collecting backpacks and school supplies that are assigned.
July 29, 2022:
Each unit will transport their items to Tuscaloosa Stake Center to be organized.
July 30, 2022:
10:00am - Senior Primary children (7+) will assemble backpacks in the gym at the Tuscaloosa Building.
11:00am - Friend to Friend Broadcast in the chapel for senior primary children
12:00pm - sack lunch and depart
Summary:
Once the backpacks are fully assembled, the inspirational letters and cards will be put in the outer pocket.
Backpacks will be distributed to the children in need by a unit primary leader and at least one primary child from that unit. The list of children receiving backpacks will have come from the bishop, branch president or primary president. The receiving children need not be church members.
Bishops/branch presidents will report back to the stake presidency after following up with the families. Perhaps the report could be given during stake council?
Specific Assignments:
Junior Primary:
Create thoughtful cards or notes (may be done at home under the direction of parents).
Help encourage family and friends to donate supplies to help children that are in need.
Primary leaders can be creative in how to involve the junior primary children.
Senior Primary:
Create thoughtful cards or notes (may be done during primary activities or at home with family).
Primary leaders can be creative in how to carry out tasks for senior primary children.
Assemble or "stuff" the backpacks with collected school supplies on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
Unit Assignments:
Bessemer
5 new backpacks
Colored Pencils 12-pk (50 boxes)
blunt tip scissors (50)
Columbus
5 new backpacks
glue sticks (50)
#2 pencils, 48-count (50 boxes)
Wide-ruled 1 subject Spiral Notebooks (100)
Demopolis
5 new backpacks
glue sticks (50)
24-count Crayons (50 boxes)
Gardendale
10 new backpacks
50 zipper pencil pouch
200 pronged folders
50 pkgs Expo Markers
Jasper
5 new backpacks
50 pkgs pencil eraser tops
personal pencil sharpener (50)
Northport
10 new backpacks
100 wide ruled composition notebooks
100 pkgs wide ruled loose leaf paper
Hand sanitizer (50)
Tuscaloosa
10 new backpacks
100 pkgs wide ruled loose leaf paper
100 gridded composition notebooks
pkg Baby wipes (50)
Not assigned but needed:
Possible donations from community??
Sanitizing wipes (like clorox wipes) (50)
headphones (50) - not airpods or the like
personal water bottle (50)
Boxes of Kleenex (50)
Disclaimer: Backpacks and supplies may be collected in the manner in which the ward or branch leadership desires. This is, indeed, a "primary" service project, but it is not out of the question to enlist the cooperation and help of other unit organizations. Families might reach out to their communities and friends/family, as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach, by example, the "DISCOVER --> PLAN --> ACT --> REFLECT" model, of the Children and Youth Program, to the children and their families.
What is it that we want to accomplish?
How are we going to accomplish it?
Let's go accomplish it now!
What worked and what can be improved upon?
Remember that the joy and growth is in the journey. The PROCESS is where the magic happens. It's not a block to be checked or a meaningless task to be checked off. When we embrace each opportunity as being a learning and then teaching opportunity, we are truly doing the Lord's work in His kingdom.
Main Point of Contact: TBD
Stake Primary Point of Contact:
Evie Cureton, 479-217-1068, polychic@yahoo.com
