Since 2012, St. Paul’s has been partnering with Carolina Beach Elementary School to provide volunteers and resources, including books, clothing, and assistance for families referred by the school’s guidance counselor. In December of 2014, we provided a new book for every child in the school as part of the Book on Every Bed program. In the most recent school year, at the suggestion of the librarian, we shifted the focus to the “Give Five – Read Five” initiative. We provided either books or money to purchase 5 books for every child in the school to take home over the summer to help students retain their reading levels.
Beginning in 2013, St. Paul’s began to partner with Murray Middle School, since middle schools are often overlooked. We have provided volunteers and tutors, along with school supplies and an annual coat collection. In 2014, we launched the Watch DOGS program at the school, aiming to get more fathers and father figures involved. The principal said that he hoped for 4 or 5 volunteers. The first year, we had over 60. In its second year, Watch DOGS had over 110 men participating!
In 2016 St. Paul’s served as the host site for the Food for Kids summer meal program. The school nutrition office provided the meals each week on Monday through Thursday, and St. Paul’s hosted and provided fun and learning for the kids. We even used the church van to pick up kids and parents at a local campground and a mobile home park.