Back-to-School Supply Drive Wrap-Up:

Back-to-School Supply Drive: Building Relationships, Strengthening Schools, Sharing Christ’s Love
Congratulations, Emmanuel! Our 2026 Back-to-School Supply Drive was a tremendous success! Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we were able to provide school supplies to children in our Emmanuel family as well as students at Calusa Park Elementary, while also finding an additional way to support the teachers and staff who serve them.

On August 2, members of the Emmanuel family had the opportunity to see the generosity of our congregation firsthand as school supplies were presented to Calusa Park Elementary. We were also pleased to welcome Principal Susie Sommers, who shared her appreciation for the support of our congregation. She was joined by Emmanuel member and CPE School Counselor, Stacy Hamburg, and Vice Principal, Loren Finger. (Susie and Stacy are pictured with Pastor Lillejord)

Supporting Calusa Park Educators

The generosity didn't stop with school supplies. As part of the Back-to-School effort, the Emmanuel Endowment Committee awarded a $2,100 grant to provide gift cards to educators at Calusa Park Elementary. The $50 gift cards were designed to help teachers purchase classroom supplies and respond to the individual needs of their students as the new school year began.

The original request was based on 42 classrooms, but as planning continued, Calusa Park provided an updated staffing breakdown that included classroom teachers, related arts teachers, and instructional support staff who work directly with students. Emmanuel chose to broaden the project so these additional educators could be included.

Thanks to the Endowment grant and additional congregational donations, we were able to expand the project to 53 teachers and instructional support staff. Each recipient received a $50 gift card, giving educators the flexibility to purchase what was most needed in their classrooms, small groups, and student support.

The project was successfully completed, and together, the Endowment Fund and our congregation extended the reach of the Back-to-School initiative. More congregational donations could be directed toward school supplies for students at Calusa Park and children in our own Emmanuel family.

More Than School Supplies

This effort is about more than pencils, notebooks, and classroom supplies. It is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen our local schools, and share Christ's love with our community.

Our partnership with Calusa Park Elementary continues to grow, and there are many ways to support students, teachers, and families throughout the school year. We invite members of Emmanuel to consider how they might become involved—including volunteering their time to support students and teachers.

Thank you, Emmanuel, for your incredible generosity! Together, we are making a difference and showing our community that they are seen, valued, and cared for.