Germantown church hosts weekend school-supplies fundraising drive

This weekend, the Better Life Christian Center will host its 10th Annual Back to School collection of weekend events with a benefit concert, free hair-styling offerings and a school-supply drive.

The benefit concert, scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday at the 4815 Stenton Ave. church, will feature local artists including The Body, Niko the Messenger, Keisha, Melissa T., Concepts and Daarinah.

Proceeds from the event — tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door or the donation of a new book bag, but free for those under 17 — will benefit a school-supply drive to be held on Sunday.

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Eric Prather, head of the church‘s sound department and member of a group performing on Friday, said the goal is to provide at least 300 students with school supplies.

He noted that the events were designed to help the kids make a smooth transition and lighten the load of many families in the area.

“We just wanted to impact the community by helping the kids who are going back to school,” said Prather.

“It starts with our youth, who are the most important,” he continued. “With our economic crisis, a lot of families are struggling that may not be present in our eyes. [They] are really having a hard time getting their children school supplies.”

Saturday’s schedule

The church will host its weekly “Brake Fast for Breakfast” on Saturday with a special $5 platter.

Anthony Dennis, a local barber, will provide free haircuts for boys; girls desiring curls and ponytails will receive free hair styles by “Anointed Handz” hair salon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees must register by calling the church at (215) 844-1405.

Sunday’s schedule

After Sunday morning service, the church will host the “Back to School Fun Sunday,” which will include the annual school supply drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will also be a small barbeque and kid activities such as the Atlantis moon bounce, a jousting game, face painting, door giveaways and free water ice. Admission is free, but the food isn’t, unless you are one of the first five attendees invited by a church member, Prather said.

“I want the kids to see the impact of what happens when people get together and to show them that people care and support them,” said Prather. “Whether they are Christian or not, there are people that support them and know how important it really it is to stay in school, reach their goals and continue to achieve.”

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