ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — As summer begins to wind down and the first day of school looms around the corner, many parents will be heading out to stores in the next few weeks to stock up on supplies and uniforms.

And to help ease the burden of that expense for those affected by the economic woes of the past year, Robertsdale United Methodist Church were distributing school uniforms and supplies for those in need on Tuesday, Aug. 4 and will continue Wednesday, Aug. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

A consent form signed by the principal or a counselor from the child’s school is required before any supplies or uniforms can be given out, said Jo Novotny, RUMC member, and can be picked up at any Baldwin County School.

Two uniforms per child, one new and one used, will be given regardless of family size, Novotny said, along with basic school supplies.

“Last year we helped 350 to 375 children and we hope to help that many and hopefully more this year. This is a great way for us to show God’s love to the families of Baldwin County,” Novotny said.

This ministry, started 15 years ago by the Young at Heart Senior group at RUMC, has seen tremendous growth in the past couple of years and keeps the 25 volunteers very busy during the summer, Novotny said.

“We have a very generous congregation who donates gently used uniforms, except shoes, and monetary gifts so we can provide the children of Baldwin Count what they need to start the year off right,” Novotny explained.

Although they collect and accept clothes and supplies all year long, the summer months are their busiest and along with church members, Novotny said, people in the community also contribute to the cause. “St. Paul’s Thrift Shop in Daphne and Holy Spirit Thrift Shop in Gulf Shores has donated some items to us.”

“This is a countywide program. Any child who attends a Baldwin County school can benefit from this ministry. We have uniforms from Pre-K to high school age available and we try to help everyone find the sizes they are looking for,” Novotny said.

They also work together with Catholic Social Services in Robertsdale to help out any families that move into the area during the year and need them “We also get requests from teachers sometimes for uniforms or supplies at different times during the year and we do our best to meet those needs,” Novotny said.

The Rev. Steve Spining, RUMC’s pastor, said this is his first year being involved with the uniform and supply drive and is really looking forward to it. “I’ve only been here since the end of June and this has to be the most exciting ministry opportunity I’ve been a part of. I can’t wait to see what happens this year.” Before moving to Robertsdale, Spining served a church in Hope Hull.

Robertsdale United Methodist Church is located on Highway 59 across from Greer’s Food Tiger. For more info, contact the church office at 947-4602.