Today William and I arrived at Almaden Hills United Methodist Church early to help with the set up for the backpack stuffing for National Night Out. We ended up being so early that we were there before the set up, so we went to visit with Children’s Ministry Director Peggy Joy. Peggy even had a had for him as he was too young to attend Vacation Bible School a few weeks ago and get his own hat. Peggy admired the quilt I brought with him, which had been made by the Quilting Group of my church.
Much of the money for the backpacks and school supplies came from a $2500 Community Grant from Walmart. They had three workers come by to deliver our materials and they volunteered their time to help as well. For an hour before church the members of the committee and the volunteers help set up supplies in rows to be stuffed in the backpacks.
As church nursery began half an hour after set up, at first William was patiently hanging out in his stroller. Right at 9:30 I took him over. He was delighted to see Joanna, who is one of his favorite teachers, there. The teachers agreed to stay after church so I could help the group finish up.
Several of the committee members kept setting up the stations while church was in session. I went back and forth between doing that and helping document the Cooking Station as part of the children’s ministries. The children were able to see cheese being made and taste it.
They also learned how to make loom style placemats with cardboard looms, yarn and fabric.
Last year during the National Night Out event I was seven months pregnant and Team Green. I wondered if my baby was a boy or a girl and what kinds of backpacks s/he would like for the future. It’s amazing how many different options there are for children. The youngest kids again this year receive bags featuring cartoon animals.
Those in middle school had these and the highschoolers will receive all black.
After church we were joined by helpers of all ages to stuff the backpacks.
There were a few changes from last year, with notebooks replacing loose leaf paper. This makes sense, I remember as a student taking better notes in a bound notebook.
With so many people helping out, it was light work and we finished about 20 minutes earlier than predicted.
Soon it was time to pick up William from nursery day care.
As usual he had a fun time. With some help being held up, he took a few steps. Joanna predicts he will walk before his first birthday, maybe even when he’s ten months old.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 