Hundreds of Gary students got treated to the school supplies they needed, plus a little time to unwind before they get back to the books Saturday afternoon, while learning about community as well.
More than 200 students registered for St. Timothy Community Church’s revamped Back 2 School, Back 2 Christ Jam, so it was a good thing that the church had 400 lunches ready because at least an extra hundred came out, its coordinator, the Rev. William Currin said. Some 300 kids received backpacks with school supplies, gift cards and uniform vouchers plus the chance to win raffled laptops during the event.
Not only did they get their supplies, but they also had the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the Gary Health Department if they were of age. Family resources were also made available through the church’s Richard and Susan Watkins Youth Resource Fund.
It used to be that St. Timothy’s would sponsor the event for its congregants’ children only, Currin said. He brought the idea to the church that it should open the Jam to others as well.
“I asked him, ‘Why are we doing this for 300 children?'” Trustee Emeritus and 50-year congregant Rosie Washington said.
Currin’s answer was simple: St. Timothy’s is a “community church’; says so in the name and everything.
“Moving back to Gary, you hear such negative things, so it’s important that we reach out to help kids become better kids and then better teens,” he said.
With that consideration, Washington came around.
“We have been truly supported by the St. Timothy’s family, so we must continue to represent,” she said.
St. Timothy’s pastor, the Rev. Rasheem Jackson, said there’s never been a better time for the church to reach out than the pandemic, which has made life so uncertain for everyone, but even more so for low-income families.
“Gary needs opportunities,” Jackson, who’s been its pastor for three years, said. “We talk about the violence and we see the struggle, but we need to make sure the kids and their families have the resources, too.”
To that end, the church family, along with a handful of sponsors, raised $18,000 to put on the event, he said.
At the Gary Health Department tent, maybe a handful of people were vaccinated, but they usually don’t see a ton of people at live events, said staffers there.
Resources to help parents with their needs were available as well, because if the parents don’t have help, they can’t help their children, said Vernadine Parker, an outreach and education coordinator with Northwest Indiana Community Action of Crown Point.
“Many people have become so isolated, so I’m out here to put the basics in their hands for when they them,” Parker said. “We sponsor WIC, and we can help get people counseling services and help with their landlords and energy assistance, among other things.”
Hamond Scott, 13, and Seanrique Coley, 12 were more interested in playing. The two boys spent the afternoon playing basketball and waiting for their shot at getting a laptop.
“I’m going in the jumping thing, too,” Seanrique said as a mint-condition Corvette from the 1960s rolled up to join the Corvette show in the church parking lot. “That one’s nice, but I like the light blue one better.”
Michelle L, Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
