Church to provide help with school supplies

Needy families with children in Slidell or Pearl River schools can get help buying school supplies from St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church.

The church’s Good Samaritans ministry is taking applications through July 11 for its school supply program, to assist children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents interested in participating may fill out application at the church office between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The application should describe what supplies are needed, and should be accompanied by a picture ID, current food stamp printout with children’s name, birthday and Social Security number, and proof of income.

The first 75 families will be accepted. Church members will then “adopt” each family, purchasing the necessary supplies to be distributed in August.

The church has had a school supply program in place for several years, but this is the first time they are using this approach.

“Previously, people would donate random items, like pencils or notebooks, with tons of things left over,” said Cheryl Loeffelholz, program coordinator. “We decided to do it this way, to make sure each child gets exactly the supplies they need in a more efficient process.”

The church is located at 910 Cross Gates Blvd. in Slidell. For more information call 641-6429.