Parents of students at Union Hill Elementary School are getting a break on the money they spend for school supplies this year thanks to the generous support of three local church congregations.

A combined donation of $2,100 from Rescue Methodist, Caanan Baptist and Ryan Baptist churches has enabled the school to stock up on personal products such as Clorox wipes, baby wipes, GermX, paper towels and Band-aids—enough to last the entire year, according to Principal Robert Elliott.

“In the past we have asked parents of elementary students to donate $25 to purchase these items,” said Elliott. “This year, the amount was lowered to $15 because of the help we got from the churches. In addition, Valhermoso Baptist Church donated 15 backpacks filled with school supplies. That donation saved each family an additional $12.”

“We have these supplies stocked in our storage room and they will be distributed to the classrooms as they are needed,” he pointed out.

Elliott said he approached New Caanan Pastor Shane Wheeler during the summer break about the possibility of his congregation donating money to help purchase needed school supplies.

“He liked the idea and took the initiative to enlist the help of the other two churches,” Elliott stated. “We greatly appreciate his leadership and want to thank everyone who made a donation. At a time when the economy is struggling and many of our families are hurting, this assistance is a godsend.”