Community members “Stuff the Bus” with Bethlehem Apostolic Temple

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — It’s hard to believe, but in just a few short weeks, area children will be headed back to school.

However, the rising cost of items such as school supplies, clothing, and food can cause hardships for families in many areas. Today’s area residents had the opportunity to ease the burden of families struggling to make ends meet.

Volunteers from the North Wheeling Community Youth Center and the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple held their annual Stuff the Bus Event at the church parking lot.

They collected supplies such as notebooks, pens crayons and book bags.

Those items were then placed on a bus and will go to the Adopt a Student event on August 24.

Other items will go to the Back to School Festival set for August 25 at the Wheeling Park Amphitheater.

The truth is, everything is expensive, and that includes school supplies, especially if you have multiple children or more than one child. So, bookbags alone can break the bank. So we will be providing these things, and there is nothing to be ashamed of to say that you are in need.”

Bishop Darrell Cummings, Director, North Wheeling Community Youth Center

It makes us feel good when we are helping somebody. Like the Pastor said, You could be in that position. I had seven brothers and sisters, and we didn’t have much.”

Shirley Martin, Volunteer, Bethlehem Apostolic Temple

Financial contributions for the purchase of supplies are also being accepted.

If you could not attend today’s event but would still like to donate, you can do so by calling 304-233-8899, and leave a message if no one answers.

You can give online using the GLI app, the GLM or BAT website, Givelify @BAT, or the SAFA CashApp $DWCministries PayPal @GLM, Tith.ly @BAT, or E-Tithe @BAT. Text your offering to 304-451-9900 (text GIVE).

You can also mail a check to BAT, P.O. Box 6051, Wheeling, WV, 26003, or SAFA, P.O. Box 2941, Weirton, WV 26062.

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