Weekend Packs for Kids Program Gives Thanks

— from Kate Long —

The Weekend Packs for Kids program prepares child-friendly bags of food for children who have little to eat over the weekends. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and donors, the Weekend bags are packed and ready every Friday morning and all funding goes directly to the food items. Volunteers include Jana and McCabe Webb, Judi Lindgren, Kate Long, Cheryl Jones, Calvin McLaughlin, and Margie Sabine. In addition, a big thank you to Island Market which provides much of the food at cost, and Orcas Island Food Bank, Orcas PTSA, and Orcas Island Community Foundation for donations to this year’s program.

Now in its fifth year, the program has gotten stronger and more streamlined, but the need for the bags has only increased. This year we are preparing an average of 49 bags each week, up from 42 bags last year. These “Weekend Packs” help bridge the food gap for children who are hungry over the weekends; for some breakfast and lunch at school are the most nutritious meals of their day. Each discreet bag contains foodstuffs such as milk, cheese & crackers, fruit, tuna, or microwavable soups.

Donations can be sent to the Orcas Island Food Bank (PO Box 424, Eastsound, WA 98245) with WPK in the memo line. Contact Margie Sabine at the school if you are interested in volunteering (376-1590).