Loving our Community: St. Christopher's and Wheelock Elementary School

For years various parishioners at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Lubbock, have taken it upon themselves to support Wheelock Elementary School, located across from the church on 42nd and Elgin.  

We started many years ago with a Christmas program to support needy families with presents for their child or children attending Wheelock Elementary. We use a form that elicits personal information from the parents regarding the child’s desires, i.e. gifts such as dolls, action figures, favorite color, favorite activity, or clothing, etc. An administrator determines the income level of the family and distributes the form to the child/parent. Then a date is determined to gather forms for the coordinator at St. Christopher’s. The parishioners then choose a boy or girl of a certain age for whom to buy three gifts. They buy and wrap the gifts and place them in one large bag and get it to the church by a deadline. The form is attached to the large bag. The coordinator at the church works with the school administrator to inform the parents of the pickup date at the church. The number is usually around 40 participants. 

During Covid and a few years after St. Christopher’s gathered two $25-gift-cards for each child. We were assured the parents would use the gift cards for their child’s needs. In 2023 we switched back to physical gifts.

Teacher Appreciation Snack Days

A few coordinators team together to provide snacks for the teachers on designated days. Sometimes the snacks of appreciation are a surprise to the teachers. The church’s ECW (now ECHO, Episcopal Church Hospitality and Outreach group) now fund the snacks after many years of parishioners donating the snacks. At one time it was a monthly endeavor. Then, after COVID, it went to once a semester. The teachers are always very appreciative for the recognition and support. 

School Supplies Donations

For several years a coordinator from St. C’s has contacted Wheelock and ask for teacher school supplies needs. After the contact of the school gathered a list of items, the coordinator makes an announcement at the Sunday service for the items needed by the teachers for the school year. Our parishioners will, over several Sundays, bring the items to the church for distribution. Of course, the church coordinator gets the supplies to the school. 

Trunk or Treat

Every year, on a weekend close to Halloween, a coordinator announces a Trunk or Treat activity. Wheelock is notified of the date and church members are to hand out candy to the children from their trunks. The school principal usually attends, along with a teacher or two. Parishioners can either bring candy/dress up/distribute, or simply donate candy. The participants are encouraged to dress in costumes and decorate their vehicles. One of our church members brings children’s books and hands then out free of charge. This activity is always successful and a lot of fun.