St. Mary's-in-the-Valley Backpack Outreach Program

Left to right: Fred Stoner, Co-Chair of Outreach at St. Mary's; Michael Hamlin and Derek Hovious, recipients of backpacks; Mary Halliday, Children and Youth Services Chair of Kiwanis Club of Ramona.

As part of its Outreach Program to children and youth, St. Mary's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church held its second annual Backpack Outreach Program at the church. This was done in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Ramona, represented by Mary Halliday, Children and Youth Services Chair.

The backpacks were filled with school supplies and a sweatshirt jacket, and were given to 40 identified youth that needed help in various ways. These youth were ages six to sixteen, who came with parents and/or family members.

Backpacks waiting for distribution.

 

After the blessing by Deacon Ellen Deuel, the guests were treated to a barbecue luncheon on the church lawn where the barbecuing was done by Frank Russo with the assistance of Jonathan Russo and Manou Comba. Guests then progressed to the tables within the church for eating and fellowship time.

The distribution of the backpacks by event Chairs Fred Stoner and Chris Deuel was the high-lighted event. There were many big smiles and happy faces as names were called and each student came forward to get their backpack. At times one could wonder who got the biggest joy, the recipients or the givers.