If you have school aged children, you know that the end of summer is a very busy time of preparation to go back to school. The clothes that fit just fine right before school ended, now are two inches too short or after a summer wearing sandals and flip flops, their old tennis shoes are no longer big enough for growing feet.

Many of us are fortunate enough to have the resources to pay for all the back to school expenses, and it is just a matter of finding enough time to get it all done. But what would happen if we were struggling to pay our bills and we had to choose between paying rent or buying food and getting new clothes for the kids?

Unfortunately, in Loveland, there are many families who have to deal with this dilemma every year. Loveland Schools have many children who do not have all they need to go back to school. It is not only a matter of school supplies, but things like socks, underwear, shoes that fit and personal hygiene items. Things that we take for granted unless we do not have them.

Of the many opportunities to serve at Prince of Peace, the one dearest to me is the L.I.F.E Food Pantry. I have been a volunteer for many years and have experienced the pleasure of knowing that I live in a very generous community. If it were not for people like you, the needs of these children would go unmet.

For over 5 years, the L.I.F.E. Food Pantry has been helping prepare Loveland Students for a new school year while relieving some of the financial burdens on their families.

This year the Student L.I.F.E. Shop intends to provide dental care supplies, socks, underwear, Loveland t-shirts, a new book (Pre-K through 1^st grade), gift cards for new shoes, and other personal care items to qualified Loveland families at no charge.

In addition, families will have the opportunity to sign up for various school and community programs. Last year L.I.F.E. served over 200 children (Pre-K through Grade 12) from 113 families.

If you feel the call to help with this ministry, you will be making a great impact in the life of our Loveland children. Any donations can be marked for Student L.I.F.E. and dropped off in the L.I.F.E. donation boxes at the Lebanon Road entrance. Items needed are: toothbrushes in single packs, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, children shampoo, deodorant, razors & saving cream, soap and feminine hygiene products. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.

Thank you for helping us send these children to school with dignity!