Even smaller mission projects can make a big difference in the community.

Over the summer members and friends of Mabel United Methodist Church and Newburg United Methodist Church decided to collect school supplies to make sure the staff of the Mabel-Canton School District are ready to welcome students back to class.

“The people at our churches believe that to have a strong community, we need to have a strong education program,” Rev. David Stoeger said. “This starts with equipping our teachers for the important role they have in the lives of students. It is a joy to support the teachers and students in our community.”

The boxes of donated supplies were presented to district staff and were distributed to teachers before the first day of class.

“I want to thank the community members. These supplies will really help the students at Mabel-Canton. We really have a great community…we really do," Michelle Weidemann, Mabel-Canton Dean of Students said.