BELTON - A steady procession of people representing more than 1,000 needy children entered the back doors of the First Baptist Church on Monday, picked up bags filled with school supplies and clothing and quietly went on their way.

It was distribution day for Project Apple Tree and all but some 15 bags were claimed. The remaining bags have been moved to Helping Hands Ministries where they are expected to be claimed later.

The stories of the recipients vary: Some face staggering medical issues, others are single mothers trying to make ends meet.

Kim Pointer, assistant director at Helping Hands Ministry, which screens Apple Tree recipients, estimates that 80 percent of the people seeking assistance are single parents.