The Homer Congregational Church has announced it will host its 8th annual Back to School P.R.E.P. (Provides Resources and Essentials to Prepare) Event on August 26th. With school just finishing for the year, the church is already working hard to prepare for the next school year.
The program has grown significantly since its beginning and for 2023, the Congregational Church is committed to providing 350 kids in grades pre-K to 12th grade in Cortland County with new shoes, socks, underwear, and hygiene supplies free of charge.
Families looking to participate in the event must pre-register their children for the event with the child’s information and sizes. Registration opens on July 1st and will continue until August 1st or until 350 children are registered.
“I am delighted by the community participation represented by the P.R.E.P. event,” says Senior Pastor Vicki Burtson. “The event began 8 years ago with a group of dedicated people within our congregation and has grown into a county-wide outreach effort.”
The Congregational Church says that shoes are the most expensive item for a family to purchase for their child. New shoes that fit properly can help children be able to actively participate in P.E. classes and encourage outdoor play and increase confidence.
With the ever increasing participation in the event, the church is inviting individuals, or groups, to sponsor a child (or multiple children) and commit to purchasing a new pair of sneakers, pack of underwear, and a pack of socks. Those looking to become a sponsor, click HERE.
“As people of faith, we are told to do justice and love kindness. At the P.R.E.P. event, we will do more than repeat the words. We will embody them as a community,” says Burtson.
For families looking to register their children, and for additional information, click HERE.
