Alternate Ways to Give

More Ways to Serve the Parker Street Neighborhood

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. – Mark 12:31

Tangible Ways

Alternate Ways to Get Involved - Parker Street Ministries - Lakeland, FL
Backpacks / Uniforms

In July of each year, we hold a back-to-school drive called Start Smart Education Essentials. Supplies, including backpacks and uniforms, are personalized for each student so they can begin the school-year prepared for their unique school assignments. Check back in the summer for details about the 2024 drive! 

We can always use school supplies throughout the year because backpacks wear out, and we utilize a bank of supplies for homework and school projects. Take a look at the next section for our year-round school supply list.

Alternate Ways to Get Involved - Parker Street Ministries - Lakeland, FL
School Supplies

More than 100 children are offered 800+ hours of academic support year round. That requires a lot of supplies be kept on hand at PSM. Help parents, schools, teachers, and students be prepared by hosting a drive anytime to refresh our supplies OR watch the website in July for the annual drive (Start Smart Education Essentials) which provides backpacks filled with custom supplies and two new sets of uniforms for each student.

YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

  • Backpacks (individual styles/colors & clear)
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Markers
  • Colored pencils
  • Highlighters
  • Glue sticks
  • Notebook paper
  • Binders (1-inch)
  • Tab dividers
  • Small poster boards
  • Kindergarten writing paper
  • Wired earbuds (not wireless or Bluetooth)
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitizer/Lysol wipes/hand wipes

Deliver to 719 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801. Questions or to schedule pick-up, call (863) 682-4544.

Alternate Ways to Get Involved - Parker Street Ministries - Lakeland, FL
Healthy Snacks for Academic Enrichment Program

Please help expand palates, teach portion control, and build healthy bodies by donating to our year-round healthy snack drive. Healthy snacks are served in our Academic Enrichment Program daily. We collect individually packaged snacks in increments of 50-100 servings. See a list of healthy snack ideas below or view wish list here.

Contact Hannah Scruggs at (863) 682-4544 or volunteer@psmlakeland.org to arrange timing and delivery of snacks.

HEALTHY SNACKS IDEAS

  • Animal crackers
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Carrots
  • Cheez-Its
  • Chex Mix
  • Granola bars
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks
  • Oranges and/or Cuties
  • Popcorn
  • Portable yogurt
  • Pretzels
  • Small packages of peanuts
  • Small packages of trail mix
Alternate Ways to Get Involved - Parker Street Ministries - Lakeland, FL
Christmas Gifts

Shop our wish list below for the annual Neighborhood Christmas Store!

CHRISTMAS STORE WISH LIST

  • Teen bedroom accessories/décor: pillows, lamps, wall art, etc.
  • Teen make-up, nail polish
  • Teen cologne/perfume
  • Teen fitness equipment
  • Electronic phone accessories: speakers, chargers, etc.
  • Art supplies for children & teens
  • Jewelry for children & teens
  • Lotion and hair accessories for children & teens
  • Purses and wallets for children & teens
  • Dolls/Barbie dolls (Black, Hispanic)
  • Footballs, basketballs, kickballs
  • Educational toys, games, and puzzles
  • Skateboards
  • Baby/infant toys
  • Preschool toys
  • Funds to buy wheeled items
  • LEGO toys of all sizes
  • Preschool dress-up/role playing outfits/supplies
  • Christmas wrapping supplies: gift bags and bike bags (all sizes from small to large), tape, bows, scissors, gift tags, and wrapping paper

 

Alternate Ways to Get Involved - Parker Street Ministries - Lakeland, FL
Stocks & More

Appreciated stocks. Mandatory distributions from IRAs. Estate planning. Employer matches. We have been blessed by all these channels of generosity. For more information, email Sarah Breed at sarah@psmlakeland.org or call (863) 682-4544.

Parker Street Ministries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity. Deductibility should be determined by your tax advisor.

Even More Ways

Invite a Staff Member to Your Group, Business, Church or Home to Speak

Lines dividing community are disturbing and prominent. We believe engagement with Parker Street Ministries allows all people to get out of bubbles, erase a few lines, and follow Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor.”

Group gatherings make connections, neighbor to neighbor, so that friends throughout Lakeland are aware of how to best love their neighbors in the Parker Street neighborhood. This involves hosts setting the stage for meaningful conversations with donors, volunteers, praying friends, and future friends.

Interested in hosting? Email Sarah Breed at sarah@psmlakeland.org or call (863) 682-4544.