As a grandparent, Tom Tucker, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Rock Hill, often visits his granddaughter’s school for school plays or to share meals. It’s not unusual for him to see a child carrying a book bag imprinted with a cross and the name of his church.
“It thrills my soul,” Tucker said, “to see the cross being carried in our public school system.”
Calvary supports Operation Christmas Child, the annual shoebox ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. “That project got us thinking,” Tucker said. “In addition to those shoeboxes, what could we do locally? We came up with the idea of providing book bags for two local elementary schools.” The church selected Northside and Belleview elementary schools.
Tucker said the church approached the two school principals, who “overwhelmingly thanked” the church for the assistance. “At first, we were just going to provide the bags, but then we decided to fill them, too.” Using a generic school supply list, church members began donating supplies that could be used throughout the two schools, regardless of grade level.
“Walmart and Target stores helped with supplies when we approached them,” Tucker said.
The bags, imprinted, cost about $10 each. “Through a love offering, we were able to purchase a durable book bag with the cross and our church name imprinted on them,” Tucker said. “It’s not the very best book bag that a child can own. But I still see the ones that we gave out three years ago, so I know they are durable.”
The initial year, the church provided 25 bags. Last year the school increased its donation to 50. During the current school year, the church doubled its contribution again. The project has also gotten the attention of Rock Hill School District.
“This year, we got a call from the Rock Hill School District,” Tucker said. “They have a list of about 200 children in low-income housing situations where neither parent is employed. These children can’t afford anything. The district asked if the bags could be used in other parts of the district to assist these children. It’s overwhelming to be considered for a project like that.”
Tucker said the project has given him an insight on the church’s relationship with public schools. “The doors of public school systems are wide open right now,” he said. “Programs are being cut due to lack of funding, and there are opportunities for churches to have an impact. This could be the faith community’s finest hour.” – SCBC