Next Operation Back To School: August 14, 2010

This unique ministry was born to serve First Hurst's local mission field. Working with specifically targeted elementary schools and their counselors, each year the week before school starts, Operation Back to School provides school supplies and other back-to-school items to local needy families in a carnival like atmosphere. The concept is modeled after the servant style evangelism of Jesus.

With increased community needs and awareness, Operation Back to School has experienced steady growth. In HEB ISD 51% of the students come from homes that are classified as “economically challenged.” The district has 720 children classified as “homeless.” Due to this substantial economic need, we have partnered with 6 Stones Mission Network in order to serve more children in need. For 2010, Operation Back to School will have two locations: First Hurst and Campus West.

The success of this program is evidenced by its growth from serving 246 children our first year to over 1,600 last year. Supported completely by donations from church members, businesses, community agencies, and countless individuals, the ministry has set a 2010 target of $40,000 to be raised. This will allow us to achieve our goal of serving over 6,000 children in the HEB ISD.

Each child receives all their needed supplies for their grade level--like easers, glue, markers, crayons, paper, folders, binders, rulers and a new backpack. We also provide other services, like the Hurst Police Department's free children's ID's, face painting, clowns, and balloon animals to each child. 

The event also focuses most importantly on the greatest need of children and parents, that of knowing Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Operation Back to School gives a Bible in English or Spanish and a comic book style tract, developed by Samaritan's Purse, to each child. The families will be followed up on throughout the year and invited to all church functions for the year.

Operation Back to School seeks volunteers and donations year-round. The cost to provide one child with all their supplies is $20. For more information, please contact  website.