Generous community gives school supplies.

I am always astonished by the generosity of the congregation of St. Stephen's Catholic Community in Winter Springs, Fla. Today was back-to-school "shopping" for those who needed help with school supplies. I wasn't sure how we were going to afford three new backpacks, a scientific calculator, and the pile of school supplies requested every year. I burst into tears when I walked into the cafeteria and saw the tables stacked with school supplies. Everything was brand new. I even found the scientific calculator my youngest who need in middle school.

To my even greater surprise was the table stacked with backpacks. The boys (15, 13 and 11) go thru at least two backpacks per school year. If you do not have children in school, then you may not know that they are no longer assigned lockers. In fact, the schools don't even have them anymore. So, the kids are forced to lug ridiculously heavy backpacks each school day. This wear-and-tear can quickly break zippers and rip holes in them. My 13-year-old's backpack consistently weighed 20+ lbs. last school year.

It is very difficult to ask for help when we're the ones who usually help others. It's not pride that keeps me from asking for help - It's embarassment. But, everything is always held in confidence. I wasn't going to write this point, but I am just so thrilled with the generosity of the people at St. Stephen's Catholic Community. That's probably why it's called "community" instead of "church." They contribute beyond the borders of their walls and parking lot. God bless you.