Third-grader creates stuffed owls for Appalachian children

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Melinda Kaye Mercer, eight years old, has sewn 60 stuffed owls as a personal contribution to the Backpacks for Appalachia outreach. MERCER FAMILY/Special Melinda Kaye Mercer, eight years old, has sewn 60 stuffed owls as a personal contribution to the Backpacks for Appalachia outreach. MERCER FAMILY/Special

By Rachel Mercer

PORT WENTWORTH — Melinda Kaye Mercer, an 8-year-old 3rd grader living in Port Wentworth, has sewn 60 stuffed owls for the Backpacks for Appalachia ministry.

Melinda Kaye took on this ministry opportunity after her pastor (also her Daddy), Quillian Mercer challenged North Salem Baptist Church to fill 72 backpacks for this North American mission project. She memorized the verse "Everyone should use whatever gift he has received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace" (1 Peter 4:10) and then set out to do just that.

Church members help

Many church members donated cloth for the project once Melinda Kaye's mom's scrap fabric ran out. Friends and family bought stuffing and felt and shipped it to her house. She enlisted the help of her brothers and mom and dad to help with different elements of the project as well.

Once complete, the 60 owls were prayed over as were those 60 children who will receive them. Melinda Kaye attached a handmade card wishing each boy and girl a Merry Christmas!

As a family the Mercers are praying for the recipients of those owls, and looking forward to seeing what gift they can place in next year's backpacks!

Backpacks for Appalachia, children, giving, missions, Port Wentworth