Trinity United Methodist Church bolsters Doris Hancock Elementary School

Several years ago, Trinity United Methodist Church in Las Vegas was considering how it could further extend its community outreach.

Donna Zbierski, office manager of Trinity United Methodist Church, says one idea was to help a nearby public school – Doris Hancock Elementary School, many of whose students came from families that struggle financially. The suggestion came from the church’s education director at the time, whose husband was then a teacher at that school.

The need for help is clear: For instance, this school year, 100 percent of the 600 children who attend Hancock Elementary School, located near Charleston and Decatur Boulevards, are eligible for the federal free and reduced-price meal program.

Trinity United Methodist Church has become a valued partner of Hancock Elementary School over the years – providing students with school supplies, backpacks and other essentials such as clothing.

“They have helped us to create a positive culture in our school,” says Lisa Ansani, a counselor at Doris Hancock Elementary School.

“Students are excited to have backpacks to carry their homework and school supplies for learning to and from school. This not only helps with student achievement but also helps build the bridge with our community. We appreciate all they have done for our students.”

In addition to being the church’s office manager, Zbierski is the chair of the Society of St. Stephen, the outreach ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church. Zbierski says the Society of St. Stephen recognizes an early Christian disciple spearheading efforts of the struggling church to take care of its more disadvantaged members.

“We’re a helping hand up, not a handout,” Zbierski says of the church’s outreach.

One of the Society of St. Stephen’s many outreach programs is Angel Tree, which provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged children. This year, Zbierski says, of the 200 children who will receive gifts through this program, 120 attend Hancock Elementary School.

While this school year is not even halfway over, Zbierski says: “We have a head start for next year.” That’s because in September, Zbierski noticed that a drugstore had reduced prices for backpacks by over 90 percent, costing just 49 cents each.

The resourceful Zbierski bought 120 backpacks to give to schoolchildren in need next year. That means a lot of deserving children will have a head start themselves thanks to the parishioners of Trinity United Methodist Church.

If you would like to partner with CCSD, contact the School-Community Partnership Program at 702-799-6560.