A local organization is teaming up with teachers at an area school to feed hungry kids.
Kim Thomas is a special education teacher at McQuistion Elementary School in Butler who is involved in the effort. “We will be sending home food in these children’s bookbags to get them through the weekends. They will receive two breakfast items, two lunch items and then a couple snacks and dairy products, things like that in their backpacks to help them.”
Thomas is referring to a Backpack Initiative pilot program started this year with assistance from area businesses and organizations like the Butler AM Rotary.
67 kids are currently signed up for the program with the first bags going out next Friday (10/16). Thomas expects that number to rise as more families become aware of the program since nearly 200 kids are eligible for free or reduced lunches at McQuistion alone.
Even though the group raised over $500 toward feeding hungry kids on the weekends at an event last month, Rotary member Jim Thompson says more funds will be needed for the program to be successful and possibly expand.
“It’s going to take roughly $1,500 a month to keep this program up and running at McQuistion. It’s not school district wide yet. We’re hoping that other elementary schools will latch onto the program that McQuistion teachers have put together and then roll it out into their schools as well,” Thompson explained.
Those interested in donating money to this cause should contact the AM Rotary or the Golden Tornado Foundation. To volunteer time, contact McQuistion School.
Written by Ryan Saeler
The post Program To Feed Hungry Local Kids Begins Next Week appeared first on Inside Butler County – Butler, PA.
