Members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church are participating in Unity in the Community activities this summer with families and residents of the Westhaven Apartments, which is operated by the Andalusia Housing Authority.

The outreach is being held in lieu of the traditional Vacation Bible School.

During the summer the Westhaven housing community serves its children through a feeding and reading program held at Bright Beginnings Preschool, located adjacent to the Westhaven Apartments. During the month of June, church members have volunteered to work with children during this program, which is held Mondays through Thursdays, from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m.

On Fri., June 30, the churches will co-host a Unity in the Community pool party at the Cooper Pool from 6 until 9 p.m. Church members will provide snacks for all participating children.

During the month of July, church members will collect backpacks and school supplies.

On July 29, church members will participate in a back-to-school Unity in the Community party, when they will provide backpacks to the more than 100 children who reside in housing managed by the Public Housing Authority. Hamburgers and hot dogs for will be served, and there will be a blessing of the backpacks.

The churches welcome volunteers to help stuff the backpacks, or contributions of money or supplies from those who would support the effort. For additional information, call St. Mary’s at 222-2487.