A great asset to the Sandhills community is the abundance of schools that provide children with the gift of education. Each student, teacher, staff member, and administrator are to be valued. Unfortunately, many school-aged children do not have sufficient resources to have all of their needs met. Though donating school supplies is a meaningful way that we help school-aged children, securing appropriate food and clothing is also a useful way we serve them. Our effort to help meet the needs of school children is one of the ways that we live into our missional responsibility as a community of faith. Below you will find information about the ways folks from SoPinesUMC are involved in serving kids from the schools. If you have any questions, please contact the church office or event coordinator.
Angel Tree Adoption (TBD 2024 Dates):
This is a long-standing tradition of giving by the SoPines UMC church and you can select your Angel now! Every year the church supports local families and At-Risk/Homeless High School students. Last year the church assisted 23 families (20/3member & 3/5member) and 30 high school students within Moore County. In addition to the families and students, Food Lion $20 gift cards are also needed for distribution. Details on this year's angels will be out soon.
Backpack Pals:
By joining with members from other local churches, service groups and volunteers impoverished children from our local schools are provided food for the weekend. Packed every Thursday at the Sandhills Food Bank during the school year and delivered to the schools, these backpacks are sent home on Friday afternoons.
Fruit Cups for High School Students:
Poverty is not only an issue for other communities and counties. Here in Moore County, poverty is real and affects people of all ages. One of these groups of people is high school youth at Pinecrest. As a way to help make sure these kids are getting nutrients, SPUMC is working with other area churches in the area to provide granola/protein bars, fruit cups, juice boxes for distribution at Pinecrest High School. There is a donation box located in the Fellowship Hall.
Communities in Schools:
In addition to school children having the appropriate clothing and proper nutrition, it is also essential for them to have access to a mentor who meets with them regularly to encourage and help them set goals. Communities in Schools connect school children with mentors who live in the area and are devoted to their progress and development. SPUMC is privileged to supply some of the mentors who are committed to making a difference by spending time and speaking words of encouragement into the lives of these young people. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office.
School Missions