Eastern Star chapter donates school supplies to Summerton children

St. Paul Elementary received a second-semester gift of school supplies. The Silverleaf Chapter #333 of the Order of the Eastern Star, associated with the Masonic Silver Lodge #35 in Summerton, brought in notebooks, tissues, pens, pencils and an array of other supplies for the classrooms. “We needed to do something for the young people, the children,” said Dora Polk, the chapter’s Worthy Matron. “We thought this would be a good thing to do and the right time, after the holidays.” This is an ongoing project for the 20-member chapter, although it is the first year they have worked with St. Paul. Previously, the supplies have gone to the Summerton Early Childhood Center. Each fall, the chapter gathers wish lists from the classroom teachers. At St. Paul, this totals nine classrooms, with three classes per grade from third through fifth grades. With lists in hand this past August, Chapter Conductress Lauren Gaymon and Sister Naomi Bradley braved the crowds at Walmart during the back-to-school sales frenzy. Determined to get the most bang for their bucks, the two women purchased all the items on their lists and made it home safely, stockpiling the supplies until after the Christmas break. “The first semester, everybody is giving stuff,” said Gaymon. “The second semester is when the kids really need stuff.” The teachers will collect the items requested and will disburse the supplies to the children as needed. The chapter also maintains other ongoing projects, such as donating ladies’ supplies to women’s shelters, providing Christmas gifts to the Disabilities Board and visiting nursing homes, sick local residents and shut ins. To donate to the school supply project or any other ongoing project, contact Polk at dmp054@aol.com. “I’m proud of our members. They work really well with me,” said Polk. “I’m grateful for that. They do a great job.”