news article
Gouverneur First UMC expands “We’ve Got Your Back” Program amid evolving community needs
August 28, 2024 / By Tina & Hannah Kingsley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a desire to help alleviate the overwhelming cost of school supplies, the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church began their in-person “We’ve Got Your Back” program in 2011 to help minimize the burden facing families. Though they had donated items to their local district in previous years, this event brought the community into their building and allowed students to “shop” for their own supplies.
The Gouverneur area has long faced significant economic challenges, with many families struggling to afford the extensive list of supplies required by local schools. In response to this ongoing need, the church initially began by collecting notebooks and quickly added backpacks to their list of donations. Over the years, the program has continued to expand, incorporating more items to address the evolving needs of the community.
One of the program’s early expansions included offering free haircuts, thanks to hairdressers within the congregation. Recognizing the ongoing struggles many families faced, the church also began distributing underwear and socks.
In 2020, the church had to adjust due to Covid and the inability to allow people in the building. Families were required to pre-register so volunteers could prep Ziploc bags full of all school supplies required for each student's grade. Taking a “drive-thru” approach, families arrived in their car and drove through the parking lot making stops along the way to gather their prepared school supplies and pick out a backpack. A bag with easy to prepare food was also supplied for each family as schools were still operating on a hybrid schedule with many students learning from home.
Dan Kingsley, one of the event organizers said, “This is a great deal of work, but when you watch a child’s face light up as they pick out their own backpack or have a parent moved to tears while receiving underwear, it makes the work more than worth it.” The church has never asked for proof of need but rather provided for all in attendance. This is a way to serve Jesus as we serve others.
Community support is overwhelmingly high each year, with donations coming not only from parishioners but also from local businesses, ranging from real estate offices and veterinary clinics to car dealerships, ice cream shops, and many more. On average, this event serves ten different school districts each year.
As the program enters its 14th year, it continues to evolve and expand, offering a wide range of services and supplies that go far beyond its original scope. Backpacks remain a central part of the event, even as new changes are introduced. This year, the most significant change is the shift to a Friday evening event, rather than a Sunday afternoon, with the aim of turning it into a community celebration that helps launch the new school year on a positive note.
The Gouverneur Central School District has secured funding in recent years that has allowed them to directly provide students with all required school supplies - with the exception of backpacks and water bottles. Because of this, the church is focusing efforts not only on continuing to provide backpacks, underwear/socks, hygiene items, and haircuts, but also expanding to provide demonstrations from local organizations. New participants this year include the local fire department bringing a truck, the sheriff with the Operation SAFE CHILD program, the New York State Police with safety demonstrations and a K-9 Unit, an ambulance tour from the volunteer Rescue Squad, and representatives from the community after- school programs. Free games will be offered with the prize options of miscellaneous school supplies. Elks BPOE 2035 has agreed to cook at no charge for their first free chicken dinner.
What began as a simple effort to help local students has blossomed into a lifeline for many families. It’s a reminder that in times of need, the strength of a community can make all the difference. With each backpack handed out, each smile shared, and each child prepared for the school year ahead, the church continues to embody the values of service and love.
In a world that often feels divided, this program stands as a testament to the power of coming together, reminding us all that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope.