Church puts a new twist on vacation Bible school

The last bell of the school year usually signals the beginning of Vacation Bible School for many children, with daily lessons about the book's many characters and their examples of how we are to live our lives.

But at Love Springs Baptist Church, the occasion took on added meaning this year as the children and parents decided to make this year's V.B.S. a time of both giving and receiving.

The church is conducting a toy drive for The Shriner's Hospital in Greenville. The hospital supplies pediatric orthropaedic care at no cost for those under the age of 18. The toy drive will continue through the month of June.

Debbie Williams, public relations director at the Greenville hospital, said charitable acts such as the one being performed by Love Springs Baptist is what helps keep things running smoothly at the facility.

"We definitely rely on churches and other organizations to keep things going," Williams said. "All of our money goes toward the care of the children, leaving very little left to spend in other places."

One of the places is buying toys, which, according to Love Springs Baptist Church Pastor Bruce Randolph, are an important tool in keeping children alert and occupied while doctors check their health.

"The kids' eyes light up when they see these toys," Randolph said. "It is proof that the smallest thing can sometimes make the biggest difference."

Randolph has a special interest in this toy drive, as two members of his church - one of whom is his daughter - are treated at the hospital for cerebral palsy.

"We are very close to the issue and see how big a difference it makes in their lives," Randolph said. "It lights up their day and helps them forget all the worries they had coming into the facility."

Williams said she is excited at the prospect of receiving extra "goodies" to put in the hands of those who enter the hospital. Toward the middle of the year supplies begin to thin out and donations of all kinds are needed.

"Our stock hits rock bottom as we hit June and July, as our donations from Christmas time finally run dry," Williams said. "That is why we are so encouraged by the support of these churches and other organizations who give of themselves to help others."

This is the first time the church has held such a drive, with many people, both young and old, making a difference.

"I have seen little children place their own toys into baskets around the church to contribute," Randolph said. "This is a real blessing for us as well as those who are receiving, so this is something we hope we can continue in the years to come."

Williams seconds that notion, saying the hospital could not operate without churches and others who contribute.

"We cannot complete our mission for free orthropaedic care without them meeting our needs," Williams said. "We are excited at the fact of being able to see them come to our door step."