Happenings · 08.13.2010 Backpacks or Bust Success!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Florida Pastor Comes Down from Lift after Exceeding Backpack Goal
COCONUT CREEK, FL – Exhausted and dehydrated, Pastor TJ McCormick of Coastal Community Church in Coconut Creek has stepped down off his 50 foot cherry picker, where he lived since Tuesday. After 56 hours, McCormick touched down Thursday night at 10:02 pm when his small team notified him that the goal of raising 1,000 backpacks for underprivileged kids in Broward County had been met.
“I want to personally thank everyone who came by and donated backpacks and those who gave online,” said a worn-down and sunburned McCormick.
“The rewarding part comes next Saturday, when we will personally deliver these backpacks and school supplies to the underprivileged kids of Collier City,” he added.
Hoisted above the earth in confined quarters, McCormick endured torrential rains, stifling heat and sleep deprivation during his three day ordeal.
As word began to spread in the community, the response to McCormick’s mission exponentially increased, including a matching pledge from Food For The Poor, an international relief organization based in Coconut Creek.
Major contributors also included a former NFL pro-bowler, who will assist McCormick and his team in the backpack distribution next Saturday, August 21.
“In retrospect, doing this in the summer wasn’t the smartest idea,” noted McCormick. “But I would do it all over again -- the few days of discomfort I endured pales in comparison to some of the things these kids experience.”
Backpacks filled with school supplies are still being accepted. They can be taken to Monarch High School at 5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek, Florida beginning Sunday morning at 8:30 am.
For more information, visit http://www.backpackorbust.org or http://www.coastalcommunity.tv .
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