Found Church provides 500+ backpacks for local families during back-to-school giveaway

Found Church in Jackson, Michigan, has once again stepped up to support local families as back-to-school costs continue to rise. According to a recent study by the Century Foundation, parents are projected to spend about 10% more per child this year, with the estimated cost reaching around $4,000 per child. School supplies are expected to increase by nearly 8%, while lunch items are projected to rise by nearly 11%. Basic supplies like notebooks and paper could see a 20% increase. Forty-five percent of parents surveyed anticipate taking on debt to cover these expenses.

The church’s annual back-to-school supply giveaway drew a long line of families outside its doors. This year, the church planned to distribute more than 500 backpacks to those in need. Pastor Chris Heydenburg noted that the demand has grown each year since the giveaway began. “Every year has increasingly been a higher need, and we’ve seen more families come through our doors,” he said. “Every year we’re like, okay, next year we need to plan for a little bit more, and a little bit more after that.”

For many families, the giveaway provides essential support. “I’ve got my three grandchildren, and I’m out of work, so it’s a lot,” said one recipient, Fagan. “It means a lot — the things that they’re giving away are good quality, too. It’s not just a lot of free stuff that’s going to be breaking on the children.” Another recipient, Joshua McDowell, shared how the giveaway helped his family of seven. “I got seven kids, so this is definitely a good thing for me,” he said. “And it’s a help — I thank God for people like this to be able to show my kids how it is to give back and not charge anybody anything.”

Pastor Heydenburg emphasized the church’s commitment to action as well as words. “We want to be a part of that, not only with our words, but also with our actions,” he said. “So we love Jackson.” Since 2022, the church’s giveaways have helped more than 900 students prepare for the school year. In addition to the backpack giveaway, the church maintains a closet of school supplies available throughout the school year.

The church’s efforts reflect a commitment to neighbor-love and practical mercy, echoing the biblical call to care for the vulnerable. As Matthew 25:35 reminds us, “I was in need, and you gave me food and drink.” Found Church’s actions align with this principle, offering tangible support to families facing financial challenges. Their work serves as a reminder that compassion and generosity can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

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