On August 4, 2012, the Satanta United Methodist Church’s 21^st Time class hosted a back-to-school fair that focused on three areas of service: education; health and wellness; and personal development. Eighty-two children and their families attended the back-to-school fair, which ran from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event began in our church office, where members of the 21^st Time class encouraged families with students in grades K-6 in the USD 507 Satanta school district to register for school supply kits.

These kits, which matched local school supply lists, were purchased from Kits for Kidz. Families could purchase them for $15-$20 (depending on the grade level) or request a scholarship to cover the expense. These scholarships were provided by $1,500 in grant money from the Kansas Leadership Center—an amount that provided 100 free school supply kits. That evening 52 children (about 25% of the children in grades K-6) requested kits. Church members distributed the remainder of the kits at school enrollment the week following the fair. Before families left the office, they were encouraged to take $5-off-a-$10 children’s haircut coupons for use at Vanity, a local salon. Finally, children were given a complimentary “Satanta Indians” reusable shopping bag as they headed out into the larger fair.

The first stop outside the office was a free book fair which featured new reading materials purchased from First Book, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged children build their own home libraries. Representatives from Russell Child Development and Learn and Play met with families about the services they offer. Ron Lucas, and SUMC member and representative of Gideons International, distributed 97 Bibles.

Families then visited the United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries (UMMAM) food pantry and clothing closet, which, for the evening, had been transformed into a used clothing store for children. UMMAM community developer José Olivas was on hand to distribute soap, shampoo, and deodorant to each child in attendance as well as to supply information on Healthwave, Kansas’ free-and-reduced lunch program, and NeedyMeds, a web-based organization that helps individuals who need help lowering the cost of their pharmaceuticals.

Alongside the UMMAM services, families found a representative from Haskell County Health who was on hand to assist with car seat safety. The next stop found children receiving complimentary dental screenings courtesy of Tiffany Koehn, a local dental hygienist. Koehn provided kits containing toothbrushes and floss and information on UMMAM dental clinic. Twenty-one children received these services.

Families were then greeted by Jean Ann Troutt, a long-time member of the church, who gave small gifts to each child and encouraged them to attend the church’s Connect Sunday on August 26, which will include a mini-Olympics for children. After leaving Jean Ann, families were encouraged to take a family photo with local photographer Danelle Groth, owner of Studio 113 photography. Groth provided a free 8 x 10 to each family, which was mailed out following the fair.

Finally, families reached our “food court,” which featured fresh fruit kabobs, a variety of vegetables, homemade breads, deli meats, cheeses, and crackers. As individuals passed through the line, they heard from a representative from the Finney County Extension Office who spoke on cutting unneeded sugar and fats from diets. After the meal, children who hadn’t already done so participated in a “Get Moving!” obstacle-course challenge in the public park across the street from the church.

Those involved deemed the evening a success and are already planning a follow-up event next year. We serve a loving God, and we are perhaps most like him when we too choose to serve. For more information on the Satanta United Methodist Church, visit www.satantamethodist.com.