To the Editor:

Thanks to the support of several local businesses and wonderful volunteers, First United Methodist Church, Gouverneur provided some 100 children with a back to school boost.

The ministry, called “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.

This program only continues because of great community backing - from insurance providers, box stores to banks. So, a huge thanks to Stewarts, Kinneys, Walmart, Fidelis, United Health, Cambray Courts, Gouverneur Savings and Loan, Newvines Auto Parts, The Custard Cottage, Casablanca Restaurant, Dashnaws Pizzeria, Richardson Flooring, St. James, Stepping Stone Ministries, Target, Salvation Army, Hair Haven, Hair Dimensions Strandz, Jreck’s Subs, Green Funeral Home, French Funeral Home, Northern Collision, VFW Post 6338, Tripps Fuels, Community Bank 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 at Gouverneur First United Methodist Church