[StBernard] School uniforms drive underway

[Westley Annis]

School uniforms drive underway

First Baptist Church of Chalmette, God's  Closet Clothing Ministry and
Compassionate Ministries, a ministry of the First Baptist Chalmette Economic
Development Corp., is holding a kids school uniforms for drive.

 People are asked to donate slightly used school uniforms that will be given
to families who need assistance with providing school uniforms for their
children, said  Keitha Barbe, God's Closet Clothing Ministry coordinator. 

"The school uniforms drive for kids is an opportunity to help students begin
the school year with confidence," Barbe said.  

The church is collecting school uniforms now and the uniforms will be
distributed Aug. 4.  

Donated uniforms must be slightly used, freshly washed and on hangers, Barbe
said.

"The uniforms will be distributed to families in St. Bernard who provide
proof of residency in the parish and  meet certain established income
guidelines," said Carol Saling, ministry assistance at First Baptist Church
of Chalmette.

Money is tight and in today's challenging economy many families are
struggling to pay for rent, utilities  and food,  and too often there's not
enough  left over to buy school uniforms for growing children, said the Rev.
John Dee Jeffries, pastor of First Baptist Church of Chalmette.

New or used school uniforms can be dropped off at First Baptist Church
Monday through Friday from 8 a.. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a. m. to
4 p.m.

 "We're asking people to help needy children through the school uniforms
drive," Barbe said.

For additional information on how to make a donation or if you need
assistance with uniforms contact the church office at 504.277.2939.  First
Baptist Church of Chalmette is located at 305 East St. Bernard Highway,
Chalmette.

Earl Hodges writes about people and events at houses of worship in St.
Bernard Parish.  He can be contacted at earlhodges at msn.com