Once again the parishioners of St. Luke's Church came through big time with donations of school supplies to fill backpacks.  33 backpacks were given to the PINS liaison person at the Springfield Family Services Robbie Wierzbiecki.  The backpacks will be given to students from Kindergarten to high school who are either foster children or from families in crisis.  $30 was spent from the PINS treasury to purchase extras so that every pack was full.

The Partners in Service (PINS) program brings together faith communities with human service agencies to promote the resiliency and success of children and youth who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, ranging in age from infant to young adult. Early in August Robbie identified a mother of 2 girls, 8 and 10 years old, who had no resources and was in need of clothing, shoes and school supplies for the children. The PINS committee decided to help the family with a donation of a $200 gift card and 2 backpacks.  This family's social worker was overwhelmed by our gift and assured us there will be some heart-felt "thank you" notes sent to us.

In March the PINS committee puts on the Maple Fest dinner with a raffle.  This annual event is our only fund raiser.  Our relationship with the Springfield Family Services is to be "on call" as needs arise.  So far this year we have given 3 families Easter food baskets, $100 to assist a college-bound girl with a down payment to hold a dorm room, duffle bags and camp supplies in June and 20 hygiene kits to keep in the office for kids as they enter the foster care system.  If anyone wishes to give a monetary donation to PINS it would be much appreciated.  Put the donation in the Sunday collection plate with a notation on the check or envelope for "PINS".

If you need more information, call Marcia Clinton at 875-3531. More web information here.