Samoset & Abel Elementary Schools

At Harvest, loving our neighbor is a key fundamental belief. The people of Harvest have been turning our love outward by serving students and teachers of Samoset Elementary School and Abel Elementary School in Manatee County.

2024 School Supplies Drive

During the month of August, Harvest is collecting school supplies for Abel and Elementary Schools. School supplies will be delivered to our partner schools for teachers to distribute to students who are in need. Everyone is invited to make a donation to the school supplies drive by dropping off supplies at Harvest on Sundays before worship or during regular office hours during the week (Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM). You can also make a financial contribution by clicking here.

List of School Supplies Needed

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 Pack-A-Pantry Ministries

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

Pack-A-Sack – Each week over 150 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
• Fruit Cups (prefer no sugar added)
• Cheese Crackers (like Goldfish)
  
• Pretzels
• Cereals (boxed, no oatmeal)
• Breakfast or Granola Bars
• 8 oz Bottled Water

Pack-A-Pantry – Food donations are delivered to regularly to Abel and Samoset to be distributed to 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? Bring your donation to worship with you! On the third Sunday of each month Harvest collects food but we will accept donations any Sunday. Or, drop off donations Mondays through Thursdays at the church office.

Financial Contributions 

As part of its partnership with our partner schools, Harvest frequently provides financial donations for teachers to purchase needed classroom and student supplies. Harvest also funds one of the school's 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 Missions

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