Volunteers shop for children

Volunteers from Church Women United made going back to school a little bit easier for some families thanks to donations from the Lenten Lunches.

“We bought clothes for 100 kids and probably have just as many coming for shoes,” said Christa Ciotola.

Church Women United worked with Angela Cantrell, the outreach director at Chestnut Crossing, to find families to assist.

“We had a form with their styles and size that made it easier for those shopping,” Ciotola said.

Clothes were bought on July 29 at Wal-Mart by the volunteers and on July 30 they were back to help the children try on and select shoes for school.

“We were able to get them a full outfit with a shirt, pants, socks, underwear, and shoes,” Ciotola said. “A lot of these kids don’t get anything new.”

Karen Bowman is glad they can help families out before school starts.

“Most of these shoes are at least $20 and some families have four and five kids,” she said.

Linda Ashcraft said one child she worked with was concerned about paying so she explained the Lenten Lunches to him.

“I told him the Lenten Lunches happen at Easter and during the lunches we ask for donations that we then get to spend on the clothes and shoes,” she said.

Last year’s lunches raised approximately $6,000 and the ladies were able to spend around $40 on clothing for each child.

“I enjoy this project because I like thinking about what the kids are going to say when they open their bags,” said Kay Dunfee. “The girls get pretty tops, and the boys get ones with characters like Superman and Batman. I imagine them being so excited to wear them to school.”

The Lenten Lunches are Church Women United’s only fundraiser, but they are a big one.

“It takes a lot of churches and a lot of people to make them happen,” Ciotola said. “We want the community to know how much we appreciate the support for this project via the Lenten Lunches.”

The ladies also are thankful for Walmart’s help.

“We are grateful to Walmart for accommodating us for this project,” Ciotola said. “They open a special register for us and are helpful with the setup. They donate to the Lenten Lunches as well with supplies.”

Volunteers for the shopping days came from nine different churches.