Our Headlines & Happenings

Last fall, Will Wijaya, one of our Thrivent Member Network – South Region board members, partnered with Valley Christian School in Russellville, Arkansas to promote Christian education to students. Utilizing the Regional Board Advised Grant Program, the school purchased a book vending machine, stocked with literature by Christian authors, along with book supplies.

The goal was to promote good behavior by rewarding students with a token they can use to get a Christian authored book from the machine.

"The elementary students were beyond excited seeing how it works for the very first time," said Will.

Learn more about Valley Christian School and their book vending machine project on their Facebook page: VCS Book Vending Machine Ribbon Cutting

Lisa Driskill and her husband, Kevin, both work at Mid-America Technology Center in Wayne, OK. Every day they see kids suffering from food insecurity as well as a lack of hygiene products and appropriate clothing. This year, the school created a store called “MATC Mercantile” to provide those items.

Lisa’s Thrivent Action Team boosted the efforts by stocking the shelves. “The impact of the store is dignity,” said Lisa. While observing the high school students leaving the store one day, Lisa overheard one friend say to another, "Well, at least I will have dinner tonight."

Student food insecurity is often unseen, but Christi Potter, School Counselor, is aware of the challenge. She shares, “…the constant need to replenish shelves highlights the persistent challenge of food and hygiene insecurity our students face. MATC is in the process of creating a non-profit foundation and partnership with the Regional Foodbank that will provide supplies for the Mercantile moving forward.

In their first year of operation, Christi said, “[it] would not have been possible without donations from our amazing staff members, First United Bank, and a generous grant through Thrivent. The success of the MATC Mercantile highlights the power of unity and collaboration in creating a safe and caring environment for our students.”

Scott Nation of First United Bank shared, “We were excited to be a part of such a great outreach for student members of our community. We are pleased to be a partner with MATC and grateful for the leadership and their work to positively impact lives every day.”

Consider reaching out to your school this summer and see how your Thrivent membership benefits can make a difference.

(Pictured from left to right: Scott Nation, Grace Farnan, Lisa Driskill)