- Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 September 2014 01:47
Community Connections is pleased to announce the addition of a second elementary school to its Blessings in a Backpack program.
Children who participate in the free or reduced meal program at the school are eligible to receive a backpack filled with food as a supplement to their weekend meals. To date, over 66,000 in 583 schools in 45 states are currently being fed by Blessings in a Backpack, a national organization.
Local organizations, like Community Connections, agree to sponsor students in local schools for a period of 3 years for a cost of $80 per student for the entire school year. Funds are raised to cover the cost of the food and volunteers meet each week at the school to pack the bags for the students, which are then distributed through the school.
Better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, improved health and increased attendance have all been attributed to the success of this program.
Community Connections worked with the Canon-McMillan School District to launch the program in First Street Elementary School for the 2013-2014 school year and is pleased to announce it has added a second elementary school in the Canon-McMillan School District, South Central Elementary. Eligible students in both elementary schools will receive backpacks filled with weekend food weekly during the school year.
Funding, as well as volunteers, for the program comes from local businesses, churches and individuals.
Persons interested in learning more about the program or wishing to donate or volunteer can contact Louise Carmichael, program coordinator, at 724-344-5471.
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