DMF Partnership for Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway

There is exciting news! The S T Nagbe United Methodist Church Distant Members Fellowship has taken its mission to the next level! In harmony with the theme for 2024, the Fellowship is moving beyond the chatroom into the community to make a tangible impact. This happened on August 24, 2024 during a festive day in Baltimore, Maryland  (USA) when free backpacks were given to students! The goal was to give support to local students in Baltimore Maryland (USA) and families, helping them prepare for the new school year.

Reflecting the vision of the Fellowship and its president, Dartor Bolo, who believe in “empowering the next generation and making a positive difference in our community,” the DMF partnered with St. Matthew’s New Life UMC, The Women of Faith, and The Few Good Men of Baltimore to serve the community by giving our over 500 backpacks.

On this beautiful, and sunny summer day, the Fellowship participated in an event called “Community Giveaways and Wellness Festival” that included food, music, pony rides, and marching bands. Students at the Festival received 17-inch double front zippered backpacks in various colors. The backpacks had compartments and plenty of space to store laptops and keep supplies organized. These backpacks offered were filled with essential supplies for academic success. Supplies included pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, rulers, pencil pouches, crayons and notebooks.

The DMF was in a partnership at a festival in Baltimore, MD (USA) and donated backpacks to students

The S. T. Nagbe UMC Distant Members Fellowship volunteers on that day included Sis. Brenda Bedell, Bro.  Ezax Smith, Bro. S.  Julius Gondoun, Sis. Rose Bedell, Sis. Lavie Smith, Sis. Madea Badio, Bro. Rudy Smith and 12-year-old Lemel Samukai. The DMF volunteers joined others to serve the community with love, compassion and humility. The Fellowship extends heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and the entire membership for giving so generously to ensure that families were given a helping hand as  charged to do by our Almighty Father.

To God be the glory!

Bro. I. Ezax Smith, former chairperson of the Board of Directors, of the DMF at the Festival

Some attendees at the giveway and wellness festival in Batimore, MD (USA)

Bro. I. Ezax Smith and Bro. Julius Gondoun at the festival

The Fellowship was represented at the festival

Bro. I. Ezax Smith and Sis. Brenda Bedell at the Festival