Two Apex churches are working together to help less fortunate students in the area receive much needed school supplies.

Jordan Lutheran Church and New Horizons Fellowship are combining their efforts to ease financial burdens on struggling families. The churches are collecting school supplies that will be distributed to students next month.

When Jordan Lutheran began the project last year, New Horizons allowed them to use their spacious building to distribute the supplies. Church officials liked the project so much they asked if they could team with Jordan Lutheran this year.

“We needed a place where parents could bring their children and receive their book bags full of supplies,” said Pastor Mike Merker of Jordan Lutheran. “New Horizons allowed us to use their space and they became so excited watching the families come through that they wanted to become more involved.

“They hold a large event every Christmas where they meet with families and distribute toys. So, when they saw our project they really liked it and felt it would allow them to mirror what they do at Christmas. We are thrilled to unite with them.”

The churches have also recruited two Apex businesses – Beaver Creek Cinemas and Tyler’s Taproom – to help with the project.

“Beaver Creek Cinemas is allowing us to place donation bins in their lobby,” said Merker. “Tyler’s Taproom is also going to play a role in helping us. It’s exciting to have these two businesses helping us.”

The churches will work in conjunction with Wake County school counselors and social services to find families in need. Those families will be invited to New Horizons on Aug. 21 where they can receive book bags filled with notebooks, rulers, glue, scissors, binders and other various school supplies.

Any supplies that are leftover will be donated to local schools and distributed to other students in need.

“Last year, we helped about 100 students who were struggling,” said Merker. “This year, our goal is to help at least 200 families who have young students in need of supplies. With the help of New Horizons, Beaver Creek Cinemas and Tyler’s, we are really looking forward to helping a lot of local families.”

For more information about the project and how you can help call Jordan Lutheran Church at 303-1613 or visit www.jordanchurchnc.org.