Highest Praise Worship Center Backpack Give Away 2020

by Tina Cole-Mullins

Saturday Aug. 1, eager kids and parents, grandparents or guardians donned face masks and practiced social distancing while attending the Annual Backpack Giveaway on Stockbridge’s Township Square, hosted by the Highest Praise Worship Center.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing, especially now with so many hurting because of the Covid concerns going on. We have come to pretty much every year, my girls have been in school. What a blessing.” shared attendee Sandy Long along her three granddaughters.

Pastor Wesley Starr and wife Christina could be seen strolling around and welcoming guests at a safe social distance. This year’s event distributed 150 backpacks to kids, pre-K through 12th grade.

“The backpack giveaway has been going on for over 10 years,” said Lisa Bolton, one of the event coordinators. “We feel it is a way we can love on our community with no strings attached. We get the backpacks and supplies through donations from our church. People give in both supplies and cash donations. We have had businesses participate in past years. This is a very important outreach for our church. Everyone gets on board and helps out because we love people and our community.”

The backpack giveaway is just one of many community events Highest Praise Worship Center sponsors throughout the year. Another popular event included the Christmas Stocking Giveaway on the Township Square in December.

“The church does wonderful things for the community, and we have a wonderful Pastor. He and his wife care for everyone,” volunteer Zanetta Craft said when asked about participating in the various events hosted by the church family.

Next year’s event is already scheduled for the first Saturday in August 2021 from 11a.m. to noon on the Township Square in Stockbridge. Mark your calendars.

Photo Credit – Zanetta Craft

Photo Credit – Zanetta Craft

Photo Credit – Tina Cole- Mullins
Cousins Raylynn Whited, Taivyn & Willow Craft who attended with their grandma Sandy Long

Photo Credit – Zanetta Craft
Kim & Zanetta Craft

Photo Credit- Zanetta Craft
Highest Praise Worship Center family pictured L-R Tony and Peggy Prater, Pastor Wesley Starr,
Phil and Kim Craft, Kathy Mayer, Zaneta Craft, Christina Starr, Ruth then behind Ruth is Lisa and Nick Bolton with their daughter Hannah.