On Saturday, July 26, laughter and excitement filled the air at Isaiah 58 Ministries as families gathered for our annual Back to School Fair. This is an annual tradition that brings joy to children and peace of mind to parents as they prepare for the new school year.
While the heat forced us to move the event indoors, the energy and joy were undeterred. Children enjoyed crafts, face painting and games while cooling off with snow cones and a healthy snack station.
Parents and caregivers explored a variety of helpful resources from community partners, including: the St. Louis Public Library, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, Youth in Need, Girls Scouts of Eastern Missouri, NOVUS Health and Women’s Voices Raised for Justice -Lock It for Love. Our advocacy table encouraged people to register to vote and write letters to their representatives about issues of importance to them. And a huge shout out to Leonard’s Barber School who provided free haircuts to many of our children.
Lunch was provided by our great grillers from St. Margaret of Scotland parish. The meal included hotdogs, chips, and cookies for dessert.
Every child received a backpack filled with school supplies, along with socks, underwear, and a Shoe Carnival gift card —essential items that help remove barriers and set kids up for success.
Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our partner congregations and organizations, this year’s Back-to-School event provided critical support to 250 children. Each backpack, gift card, and smile was made possible by a community that believes every child deserves to start the school year feeling prepared and cared for.
We are especially grateful to Deb Yerkes and Kathy Swaller for overseeing the planning and organization of the event.
As we celebrate the success of this year’s event, we also lift up a special thanks to those who are already looking ahead—collecting supplies and planning support for next year’s fair. Like the story of stone soup, each group is contributing a single item, and together we are creating something truly abundant.
With deep gratitude, we thank the following churches for their generosity and partnership: Bonhomme Presbyterian Church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Epiphany UCC, First Congregational Church, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hope UCC, Kindred UCC, Magnolia Place Neighborhood Group, Messiah Lutheran Church, Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, Parkway UCC, St. Johns Evangelical UCC, Mehlville, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, St. Paul UCC, Webster Groves Christian Church, Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, and Woodlawn Chapel.
Your faithfulness makes this program possible—and your support helps ensure that every child in our community starts school with dignity, confidence, and a full backpack. If you would like to help support this important ministry in our community, make a donation here.
Here’s to a new school year filled with learning, laughter, and love!