At Harvest, loving our neighbor is a key formational belief. For more than six years, the people of Harvest have been turning our love outward, serving students and teachers of Samoset Elementary School. 

Due to Covid-19, our classroom assistance and reading programs have been placed on paused. However, the food ministries continue.  We remain in contact with the administration and teachers supporting them with notes of encouragement and our prayers.

Classroom Assistance

Harvest volunteers are a consistent presence in the lives of the students by providing students with extra attention so they can achieve their full potential. Volunteers serve children and assist teachers in the classroom with reading, math, writing and science, or other special projects.  There are many opportunities to work directly with the children. 

Reading Programs 

Each week volunteers read a new book and use sight word activities for kindergarten students. Students in grades 1 through 3 are provided individualized support so they can catch up or stay on track academically and gain self-confidence in their academic potential. These initiatives focus on helping students who struggle with sight word recognition, reading fluency and comprehension. 

Pack-a-Sack and Pantry Ministries

The generous support of the Harvest congregation sustains two food-related ministries, Pack-a-Sack and Pack-a-Pantry, to Samoset. Food donations and financial contributions support both initiatives making a big difference to those facing constant food insecurity.  

Pack-A-Sack – Each week over 125 food-insecure Samoset students receive a sack of food to be consumed over the weekend.  Suggested food items are individual servings of food with pop-tops or other packaging that could easily be opened by a small child: 

Pudding Cups 
Pasta or Mac & Cheese 
Applesauce or Fruit Cups (prefer no sugar added) 
Cheese or Peanut Butter Crackers  
Cereals (boxed, no oatmeal) 
Breakfast or Granola Bars 
Fruit Juice (prefer no sugar added, boxes, no Capsun) 

Pack-A-Pantry – Each month food donations are delivered to Samoset to stock the shelves of the in-school pantry. The pantry is maintained for families who may be struggling to put food on the table. Need food items include:

Rice - preferably white 
Pasta - preferably not whole wheat 
Breakfast Cereal  
Canned or Dried Beans 
Canned Vegetables, Fruits, Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce 
Canned Chicken and Tuna 
Boxed Macaroni & Cheese 
Pancake Mix and Syrup 

Want to donate food? Drop off donations Mondays and Wednesdays and place items in the bin at the main entrance. 

Financial Contributions 

As part of its partnership with Samoset, Harvest frequently provides financial donations for teachers to purchase needed classroom and student supplies. Harvest also funds the school's spring Scholastic book fair and provides volunteers to serve the kids while they "shop" at the fair.  

In the words of one of our Samoset ministry volunteer leaders: "Thank you again for your willingness to help with this very important project that gets books into the hands and homes of our Samoset community children.  Their faces tell the story of their joy when they get to choose an age-appropriate book of their very own!  Priceless!!" 

Questions? Contact Diane McCoy, Director of Care & Justice Ministries.