Backpacks and Blessings: Texas Church Provides “Love Baskets” for their Community

by NBA Cares

With school underway for many children across the country, our church, First Christian Church (DOC) in McAllen, Texas, wanted to ensure we were providing resources for families in the community. We wanted to offer useful items that would keep families safe and aid in their preparation for the new school year.

To do this, our church held a Love Basket drive that allowed us to give backpacks to children as well as hygiene and cleaning supplies to families in the community. We also created goodie bags of snacks and treats.

Many ecstatic families joined our curbside backpack, cleaning supplies, and goody bag event. Love Baskets were created for all students and families attending. Volunteers were all on deck to assist. Many families expressed their gratitude for meeting their needs during this difficult time of COVID-19. Communion was offered to our guests and many accepted and prayed with Spanish Service Pastor Joel Pereira.

All of our wonderful volunteers who made this curbside pickup possible!

With safety in mind, the church set up a drive up model outdoors.

Cleaning and hygiene products were included in the love baskets, especially items that have been difficult to find like paper towels and toilet paper.

Backpacks were available for students of all ages.

In addition to school supplies and cleaning products, the church offered goodie bags with snacks for families.

If your organization has been impacted by the Coronavirus and you are in need of funding for your ministry that supports disenfranchsied youth/young adults or older adults. Please apply for a COVID-19 NBA Response Grant at nbacares.org/covid-19-grants.

As the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the National Benevolent Association partners with congregations, regions, general ministries, and a variety of Disciples-related health and social service providers to create communities of compassion and care. Founded in 1887 by six women responding to the needs of the day and on their doorsteps, for more than 130 years the NBA has continued to serve “the least of these.” Learn more at www.nbacares.org.