Not all superheroes wear capes. Some are 12-year-olds sitting beside us in church with a heart to serve.
Carolyn Toms of Lafayette United Methodist Church in the Western Lakes District has a heart for helping others. For the last three years, Toms, a fan of superheroes- Wonder Woman specifically - has donated pencil pouches to local elementary and middle schools to supplement school supplies for students. This year, she will donate 100 pouches to Northeastern Elementary and Middle School.
“Today kids need stuff they don’t have a way to get,” Toms said.
Outreach ministry comes naturally for Toms; her mother and grandmother are active members of United Women in Faith. She has watched them engage in various outreach missions and helped sew dresses for children in Haiti.
“Mission and helping others are in her blood,” said Carolyn’s mother, Jessica Toms.
With donations from members of Lafayette UMC, the pouches include crayons, pencils, glue sticks, pens, highlighters, and stickers. Although contents vary for elementary and middle school students, all pouches include hand sanitizer and an inspirational message handwritten by Toms. School counselors who see students in need distribute the pouches.
Toms shared a time her pouch helped someone who needed more than school supplies. “A boy’s dog just died, and his counselor handed him a pouch. The teacher told me his face lit up with a smile, and smiling makes you happy,” Toms said.
While attending the Bishop’s Go! Awards ceremony, Toms was inspired. She imagined the greater impact the pencil pouch ministry could have if she applied for a grant. For example, distributing pouches through a local food pantry could help more kids.
Jessica Toms, proudly said of her daughter, “I love how she has made this project her own and can see how she can make a difference.”
Regardless of your age, Carolyn says anyone can be inspired to serve. “If you put your mind to it, you can do it.”
Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Communications Specialist, Graphic Design by Jillian Thompson, Graphic Designer