End Time Ministries International distributed over 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in the Madison and Monona areas during its annual Back 2 School Giveaway and mini-carnival on Saturday, Aug. 17, at their new End Time Ministries International grounds in Monona.
End Time Ministries International, Families Back to the Table Inc., and Warming Hands Residential Services LLC joined forces to host the event and to make sure that hundreds of local students got off to their school years on the right foot with the school supplies that they need. The organizations pooled their resources and set a budget of $6,000 for the event, which Bishop Godfrey Stubbs of End Time Ministries International says they slightly exceeded. “We didn’t mind because we truly wanted to be a blessing to the children,” Stubbs tells Madison365. “Our goal was to provide the kids with a fun day while ensuring they had the necessary supplies to be ready for school.”
Stubbs gave thanks specifically to Lisa Burrell, president of Families Back to the Table, Inc., and Howard Haynes, president of Warming Hands Residential Services LLC, who collaborated with him to enhance the success of this year’s event for local families.
“This event is crucial because many parents and relatives are facing financial struggles. Our team aimed to alleviate that burden,” Stubbs says. “As a church, we are called to serve our community, and this is one way we can give back and embrace our neighbors.
“I was thrilled to see the children’s excitement — and the parents’ excitement, too. For me, I felt like a big kid myself,” Stubbs adds. “Just to see those kids smiling and having fun was incredibly rewarding. I left the event that evening feeling genuinely happy.”
After receiving their backpacks, the kids were treated to cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, nachos and cheese, hot dog sandwiches, hamburgers, and a variety of beverages at the mini carnival. DJ Jay Faldo played a lively mix of old and new school music.
The annual Back 2 School Giveaway and mini-carnival, now in its 5th year, also featured a bouncy castle, a waterslide, hula hoops, a basketball shoot-around, and a dunk tank where kids could try to get their favorite church leaders wet.
The Monona Fire Department crew distributed the school bags to the parents and guardians and kids. Many kids and parents took the opportunity to take pictures with the police officers in attendance and with the police dog.
“We extend our gratitude to the Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney, along with some of his officers, and to Fire Chief Jerry McMullen, along with his firefighters. We enjoyed the fellowship along with the food and the giveaways of school supplies and book bags,” Stubbs said. “We had an amazing time.”
There are still a few backpacks left from the back-to-school party this weekend. If you need a backpack for school this fall, feel free to visit End Time Ministries International at 6200 Monona Drive in Monona to pick one up, or email [email protected], and delivery can be arranged.
