Fremont church handing out backpacks Sunday

First Congregational Church UCC is conducting a community outreach project that will help children going back to school. 
 
Jeremy Baier said the church received a grant about two months ago to do a backpack program. 
 
“We’ve just been putting it together,” he said. “It is the very first year that we’ve done it so there have been some ups and downs, but I think we’ve got everything together so we’re ready to go Sunday.” 
 
Each backpack will be stuffed with school supplies and a water bottle. They will be handed out to the first 48 children starting at noon Sunday.
 
“It will be done on a first-come, first-served basis,” Baier said. 
 
Some of the school supplies were purchased with a grant while other items were bought by Baier and other parishioners. Jazmine Jirsak has led the project while many others are assisting, including Maria Newman. 
 
Baier said a meal will be served on Sunday at the church located at 1550 N. Broad St. 
 
“I think it is going to turn out pretty well,” he said. “We’ll have a catered meal for about 75. That way when people come, they can eat and get their backpack.”
 
Being part of a community outreach event is something Baier enjoys.  
 
“We have in the past done meals for Care Corps and if someone comes into the church in dire need we have a fund to help,” he said. “We like to help people when we can.”