Methodist churches donate 107 backpacks to elementary school

The First Methodist Church of Groesbeck and Thornton Methodist Church donated 107 backpacks filled with school supplies to H.O. Whitehurst Elementary on Thursday, August 8, just in time for the start of the school year on Tuesday.
Ben Huebner, pastor of both churches, shared that the idea for the donation drive came after Pastoral Counselor Alisa Phillips prayed about how the church could bless the local schools. “Our church has been undergoing a massive rejuvenation and revival over the past year and a half,” Huebner explained. “We felt like God was calling us to bless H.O. Whitehurst. My prayer is that this is the start of our church being able to serve our community, especially our kids, in a really profound way.”
Initially, the goal was to collect 50 backpacks, but they decided to be more ambitious and aimed for 75. However, within the first week of the drive, it became clear they could reach 100. Thirty-two of the backpacks came from Thornton Methodist Church, while the remaining 75 were collected at FMC in Groesbeck. Each backpack was labeled for a specific grade and filled with the appropriate supplies.
“We are overwhelmed by the generous donation from the Methodist churches. So many students will be blessed through this gift,” said Principal Kristen Curry. “We are grateful for Pastor Ben and all the amazing things he and his church are doing for the youth in our community.”