At PSBC, reaching our community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it's through in-house events or stepping beyond the four walls of our church, we are committed to making a difference. Throughout the year and even week to week we offer many ways for individuals and families to get involved and serve.
One powerful way we do this is through our Winnsboro Backpack Ministry
Our Mission
To provide basic resources that meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of children in our community. By supporting this ministry, you`re helping ensure that local kids have the essentials they need not just to get by, but to thrive. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most.
Backpack Ministry: A Legacy of Service
The Backpack Ministry has been a cherished part of our community for many years. Its origins trace back to around 2006, when Candace Crow launched the initiative as an outreach of First Baptist Church of Winnsboro, in partnership with the Winnsboro Community Resource Center (WCRC). Over the years, the ministry has changed hands and continued to grow in reach and impact.
In 2009, leadership of the ministry was passed to Heather and Ariel Lopez. The Lopez family played a pivotal role in expanding community involvement, increasing awareness among counselors and teachers, and ensuring that children in need were provided for consistently and compassionately.
In August 2023. Tim & Christi Ridenour were honored to receive the torch and continue this meaningful work. During our first year of service, the ministry underwent a significant transition. Financial oversight shifted from the WCRC to Pine Street Baptist Church (PSBC), which also generously offered space to store food and host the weekly food bag assembly.
Additionally, in an effort to better serve older students, we introduced a QR code linked to registration forms for high schoolers. This has provided a more discreet and accessible way for them to sign up for support.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community through this ministry and look forward to continuing the work of those who came before us, building on a strong foundation of compassion, faith, and collaboration.
2023-2024 Ministry Outreach Highlights:
- Food Bags: Beginning in mid-September, approximately 118 food bags were distributed weekly across the four WISD campuses.
- Clothing Assistance: In November 2023, through child adoption and generous monetary donations, the ministry provided new clothes, shoes, and coats to 144 children in the community. This included both students receiving weekly food bags and their siblings.
ENGAGEMENT:
- Registration
At the beginning of each school year, counselors at participating campuses are provided with registration forms to distribute to students they identify as eligible for the program. All information collected is kept confidential and is used to assess needs, collect parent/guardian contact information, note any allergies, and record clothing and shoe sizes for the student and their siblings. - Food Bags
Each week, a group of volunteers assembles food bags, which are then distributed to campuses by members of the Beta Club, who receive service hours for their participation. Food is purchased using monetary donations, sourced from the most cost-effective vendors available (e.g.. Sam's Club and other wholesale suppliers). During the weeks of Christmas and Easter, we include small gifts with a spiritual emphasis in each bag. - Clothing
Once a year, the ministry provides each registered child and their siblings with a new set of winter clothing, shoes, and a coat. - Special Needs
We also respond to individual requests for specific needs, such as school supplies or additional food assistance, as resources allow.
OUR PRAYER REQUEST
We invite you to join us in prayer as we continue to serve and support our community:
- Expanding our reach into the High School - Pray for open doors, favor with administration, and meaningful connections with students in need.
- Monetary Donations - Ask the Lord to provide the necessary funds to sustain and grow our efforts in providing weekly food bags.
- Volunteers - We need willing hands and hearts to help pack food bags every Tuesday. Pray for dependable and joyful volunteers to join our team.
- Sponsors - Pray for families, individuals, and businesses to step forward and sponsor a child, ensuring no child goes hungry.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Need to register for Back pack ministry help?
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