The mission of Bible2School, a Manheim-based organization, is to introduce children to the Word of God and guide them in building a relationship with Jesus. It just became a little easier for the nonprofit to do just that. Matthews Children's Foundation recently presented Bible2School with a check for $1,000.

Matthews Children's Foundation of Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization associated with Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, manufacturers and distributors of caskets, urns and other funeral-related products. The foundation exclusively supports children's charities across the U.S. by awarding grants three times a year. Since its inception in 1992, the foundation has granted nearly $5 million to community-based, nonprofit children's organizations nationwide. All recipients must be recommended by a Matthews Aurora funeral home partner. William P. Spence Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. of Manheim sponsored and recommended Bible2School to Matthews Children's Foundation.

"I'm delighted with the board's choice of Bible2School to receive our most recent donation," said Derek Miller, business development director for Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions. "It was very rewarding to hear ... firsthand that our funds will help them upgrade necessary technology needed for their local program in Manheim Central."

Bible2School, a public school ministry, equips communities to provide free Bible classes to elementary school children during their public school day - typically over lunch and recess. Children walk or are bused to a nearby church where volunteers engage them in lively worship, interactive Bible lessons, hands-on activities and spiritual connection.

In Manheim, Bible2School classes are offered for students who attend Doe Run and Baron elementary schools. Programs are held for Doe Run second-graders on Mondays, Doe Run third-graders and Baron second-graders on Tuesdays, Doe Run fourth-graders and Baron third-graders on Wednesdays and Baron fourth-graders on Thursdays. Classes meet at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 N. Penryn Road.

"My hope is that the children will hear a message of how much they are loved by God, that they walk away with their heads high, because they know they are seen, heard, important and grasp how valuable they are," said Marie Good, area coordinator. "And that they will come to have a relationship with a God who gives them peace, hope and joy."

Bible2School began in 1979 in Manheim and has expanded to more than 30 schools throughout the county and the state. All programming is offered free of charge to students.

The program relies on volunteers, who feel called to share their faith with the students.

To learn more about Bible2School, to volunteer or to register for classes, visit www.bible2school.com. Registration forms are also available in the office of both of the Manheim Central elementary schools.