More than 16 million kids live in extreme poverty in the U.S. and arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. St. Thomas has the opportunity to help children in our community at McWhirter Elementary school by giving them blessings in a backpack. Beginning on Sunday, July 17th, you’ll be able to pick up an empty backpack and a supply list. We’ve set a goal of 15 backpacks full of supplies for each grade level. To help out, simply pick up a backpack on Sunday, shop for the items on the list, and return the filled backpack by August 7th. Supply lists are available now if you want to shop ahead. The full list is available here or you can pick up a card at the church.