To the Editor:

Thanks to the support of several local businesses and wonderful volunteers, First United Methodist Church, Gouverneur provide some 275 children with a back to school boost.

The ministry, call “We’ve Got Your Back 2 School” supplied backpacks, school supplies, socks, underwear and haircuts to elementary age students. Parents, grandparents and other guardians accompanied the young scholars to the church, where they could select the various items they needed.

In just our years, the program has more than quadrupled in the number of clients. It only continues because of great community backing – from dentists to insurance providers, box stores to banks.

So, a huge thanks to: Stewarts, Kinneys, Walmart, Fidelis, United Health, Ultimate Experience, Cambray Courts, Gouverneur Savings and Loans, Newvines Auto Parts and undoubtedly others who pitched in with money, supplies, volunteering and beverages.

It does take a village to raise a child.

Beth O’Benham

Pastor, Gouverneur First United Methodist Church