NEW WATERFORD – For the 17th consecutive year, Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 state Route 46, is once again sponsoring August Overflow, a one-day community outreach event with distribution of school supplies, clothing, food and more.

Scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 2, Overflow is open to all area residents, with the school supply distribution specifically intended for students in Crestview, Columbiana, East Palestine, Beaver Local, Leetonia and Lisbon school districts. That also includes Heartland Christian School as well as students who attend any of the five churches in the 4C’s (Crestview Churches Community Concerns) district. Besides Abundant Life, those churches include East Fairfield United Methodist, Middleton Friends, New Waterford United Methodist and Zion Lutheran. Though the 4C’s region is the targeted audience for the school supplies, no student in need of supplies from any district will be turned away. Home schoolers also are welcome.

Families will register for the school supplies when they arrive on a first-come, first served basis. As in the past, each student will be given tickets to select the specific school items needed. Typically, more than 325 students have received goods. Students do not necessarily need to be present, though parents are asked to bring the most recent report card for each child and a driver’s license or utility bill to show proof of residency. No school supplies will be distributed after the event is over.

Distribution of good used clothing is also a staple for Overflow.

Grill food including hamburgers, hot dogs and fries along with side dishes will be available to eat on the premises. Kids can enjoy a variety of bounce-houses and games. A barrel train ride for children will run at various times outside near the baseball field. And Second Harvest Food Bank will once again be providing fresh produce for distribution outside near the main entrance of the church.

August Overflow is funded through the church and through business and personal sponsors. Major sponsors this year include the Columbiana Community Foundation, NDC Heating and Cooling of New Waterford, Graft Electric of Columbiana, A Plus Powder Coaters of Columbiana, Family Care Services of Columbiana, East Palestine and Leetonia as well as a couple of personal donors. Upper Room Fellowship of Columbiana also contributes student hygiene gift bags.

Any business or individual who would like to contribute can send a check to the church and be included in a trifold color brochure distributed to all participants the day of the event.

August Overflow started in 2009, a year after Pastor Jeff Schoch joined the staff at Abundant Life as senior pastor. Abundant Life Fellowship is an independent non-denominational church. Sunday services start at 10:30 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. for corporate and personal prayer in the sanctuary. Any questions about Overflow or the church can be answered during weekday office hours from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 330-457-7317.