Seven Loaves Community is collecting backpacks and school supplies for pantry clients through August 6 and is in need of additional donations to provide for approximately 1,000 children prior to the start of the school year.

“Now that stores are starting to put out school supplies, we are hopeful that more community members will come forward to help us meet the needs of all the children we serve at Seven Loaves Community,” said Terry Breedlove, COO/General Manager, Seven Loaves Community.  “Every child will receive a backpack this year.  This is a generous community, and we want to thank everyone in advance for their generous contributions.  We could not do all that we do without the help of so many caring people.”

Seven Loaves Community is asking for new generic backpacks (black, dark blue, or red) that can be used by any age or gender child and school supply items as follows:

For Elementary School Age: 1 pkg. notebook paper (wide ruled); #2 pencils; 1 pkg. colored pencils; 2 black ink pens; 2 red ink pens; 1 eraser; 1 yellow highlighter; 2 spiral notebooks (wide ruled; yellow, blue, green, or red)

For Middle/High School Age: Same as elementary list but notebook paper and spiral notebooks should be college ruled

Please drop off at St. Andrew UMC at the Mission Center or Food Pantry donation drop off in the Youth rotunda.   For those who would prefer to make a monetary donation instead of shopping, those donations can be used to offset the cost of backpacks and supplies that will need to be purchased.  Please make out your check to Seven Loaves Community with a notation for backpacks in the subject line and mail to Seven Loaves Community, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX  75093 or visit our website www.7LoavesCommunity.org/give.

Seven Loaves Community provides a myriad of services to qualifying residents of all Collin County zip codes directed at improving lives and breaking the poverty cycle. The Food Pantry is working with the North Texas Food Bank. Seven Loaves Community works closely with other Collin County agencies and schools to provide relief to the families seeking assistance with a particular focus on children in need.  Seven Loaves Community currently provides supplemental food; free, gently used clothing; “Food 4 Kids”; assistance in accessing available county social services; referrals to pursue limited primary medical care for children through Plano Children’s Medical Clinic; and seasonal and periodic needs such as school  supplies (for existing pantry clients).  Eligible individuals and families may receive healthy food as a grocery supplement once a month. One time emergency food distributions are available without regard to residency.  Funding is provided from individual donations, grants, and corporate support. For more information, call 214-291-8038 or email: info@7Loavescommunity.org.