Operation Round Up supports Backpacks for Kids
Capital Electric - April 1, 2010
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Volunteers from Enable stuffed 427 backpacks on March 10. Reinhart says volunteers are a vital part of Community Action's ability to sustain the Backpacks for Kids program. |
It's difficult to believe and nearly unbearable to think about … but children go hungry in our own backyards, right here in the Capital Electric service area. That's why the co-op's Charitable Trust recently awarded Community Action a second generous Operation Round Up grant, in support of its Backpacks for Kids program.
The program, initially created out-of-state, is intended to provide nourishment for children at risk of not being fed over the weekend. Mandy Reinhart, youth program coordinator for Community Action, says children in the Bismarck-Mandan and area communities may not have food on the weekends for various reasons. Some include the depressed economy, job layoffs, a lack of quality jobs, or a parent who is dealing with an addiction or disability. Reinhart indicates some families are struggling to make ends meet, and they may not have enough money to purchase food.
In December 2006, Community Action started the Backpacks for Kids program locally. First, Reinhart worked with the Burleigh County Extension Service to identify foods that were nutritious and easy to prepare, like a loaf of bread, box of cereal and fruit cups.
"We needed to pack foods that would sustain the kids through the weekend, but it had to be food that didn't need to be refrigerated or cooked. We also wanted to pack a snack - because they are kids, and snacks are fun," she continues.
Next, Community Action worked with school counselors and teachers to identify students who appeared to struggle on Monday mornings. Initially, 50 backpacks were filled and distributed, along with a note to let moms and dads know where the food came from, and why their child or children were chosen to receive the backpacks. Community Action never asks parents to fill out paperwork or to send reimbursement; Reinhart says they simply ask for the backpacks to be returned so Community Action can refill them and help other hungry children.
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The backpacks are stuffed with bread, cereal, granola bars, fruit cups, pudding and other non-perishable items. |
Today, Community Action fills 427 backpacks and delivers them to 19 Bismarck schools and six Mandan schools each Friday. Each backpack contains $8 to $10 worth of groceries, which costs Community Action anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 each week of the school year, based on what is received through donations.
To help cover the costs associated with the food and the continuation of the program, Community Action applies for grants and receives various donations. While churches, civic organizations and others tend to support this specific program because kids hold a special place in many people's hearts, Reinhart says more grants and donations are always needed to ensure the continuation of Backpacks for Kids.
"Through the Operation Round Up program, Capital Electric helped us feed hungry kids for a week," Reinhart reveals. "That's huge."
Thinking about hungry kids can be a bit overwhelming at times, and Reinhart admits, every now and again she cries. But as an employee of Community Action, she feels good in knowing her work with the program is making a difference in so many lives. And as a mother of two, her work helps her put life into perspective.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Located in south Bismarck, Community Action enriches lives by supporting and promoting self-sufficiency, education, housing and youth. Some of its offered services include a clothing closet, food pantry, shelter plus care, money management, emergency services and more. For more information on Community Action, call (701) 258-2240, (800) 223-0364 or visit www.cap7.com.