On Aug. 2, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironton, with the help of many others, was able to give away more than 1,900 backpacks filled with school supplies.

The event was a huge success! We were outdoors this year, joining the annual Summerfest sponsored by First Methodist Church along with First Presbyterian Church.

We also fed the crowd with hot dogs, chips, homemade cookies and bottles of ice water. At least 15 school districts were represented.

We hope this event makes a difference for families who need help with purchasing school supplies. We want the children to know God loves them and so do we as a community of believers. If going back to school can be brighter for these children, our mission was accomplished.

Many people made this event happen and we thank each and every one who gave so generously of time and donations. We especially thank the following: All Saints Lutheran Church (Worthington), Resurrection Lutheran Church (Hilliard), The Wal-Mart Foundation, The Friends of Ironton, Heiners Bakery, Doug Waller for Snyder’s, Pepsi, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Grandview Outlet, David Alfrey at Bartram and Son, Buddy Logan at Logan Packing Company, Ironton Kiwanis, Child Welfare Club, Liberty Federal, First Presbyterian Church, Ralph Kelley, Rev. Wayne Young, Bill Hartley, Rob Slagel, Spriggs Distributing, Becky and Tanner Heaberlin, Iron City Hardware, the Ironton Street Department, Mayor Rich Blankenship, Lois Turkhorn, “Hazel’s Girls” from Ammack Children’s Center and The Ironton Tribune for its coverage. Special thanks go to Charlie Haas, Everett and Jodi Collins, and the Ironton Fire Department for setting up The Friends of Ironton’s tent they so kindly let us use. It was such a hot day, but the tent was a big help.

I personally thank everyone who helped, especially the members of St. Paul. We are a small congregation but together as one, and with the help of others we can make a difference in our community. We have now supplied approximately 7,900 backpacks in the past four years.

Wow!