Catholic Social Services Fills 320 Backpacks
Catholic Social Services Fills 320 Backpacks
When school began in August, 320 boys and girls arrived with backpacks full of essentials like markers, paper, pencils, pens, crayons and calculators. The items were provided through Catholic Social Services of Baldwin County’s program, Resources for Educational Advancement of Children (REACH). This program serves low-income school-age children throughout Baldwin County by providing school supplies and financial assistance of fees to help children greet the school year with an equal opportunity. Throughout the year these backpacks will be filled with food items on Fridays so the children will have food to get them through the weekend. Now that the school projects are set, CSS personnel will begin on the Christmas Sharing project. They will begin making appointments on Oct. 15 for families to register for gifts for the children. Each child will receive three new gifts donated by members of Catholic parishes as well as other members of the community. Throughout the year families in need are helped by Catholic Social Services with food, clothing, utility bills, rent, counseling, and immigration services. In addition to Catholic Charities, United Way, individual donations, and grants, the Thrift Shop on the premises in Robertsdale provides major funding for the services. Customers from all walks of life enjoy the variety of clothing, collectibles, furniture and other household items for sale. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. The first Tuesday of the month features a $10 Basket Sale. Recently a woman from mid-Alabama with two children arrived on the Gulf Coast with basically only the clothes on their backs. Everything had been lost in a trailer fire. They were given vouchers to shop in the Thrift Store, were given food and referred to other agencies for help. “Meeting the people in need and being able to help makes it all worthwhile,” says CSS Director Phyllis Beam. Catholic Social Services is located at 23010 Hwy. 59 in Robertsdale. For information if help is needed or to volunteer, call 251-947-2293.
Pictured: Volunteer Director Peggy Peterson is getting ready for the Catholic Social Services Christmas Sharing project; CSS Director Phyllis Beam shows one of the 320 backpacks that were distributed to boys and girls in need to start the school year; The Catholic Social Services Thrift Shop in Robertsdale is a great source for clothing, collectibles and housewares. Pictured are Thrift Shop Manager Gretchen Kosek and Volunteer Gloria Pratt.