Now into the second half of the school year at Minden Elementary School, the Backpack Buddies Club is going strong.
"We are currently filling the needs of 21 families (totaling 38 students) who are in need of our support," said program coordinator Ginger Easley. "There are wonderful programs that provide meals for these children at school. Unfortunately for some of these children, this is the only time they eat. In the evenings and on the weekends, they continually go hungry."
Backpack Buddies Club is a program established under the guidance of principal Ken Stoll and school counselor Mary Garcia. The primary goal of club is to provide food for those children in need for consumption on the weekends. The program also provides snacks to children who are unable to provide snacks for themselves.
This year, a parent stepped forward to provide two books, purchased through the schools Scholastic program, for each of the 38 children for their birthday. In addition, the local medical and dental community has been instrumental in providing items such as soap, shampoo and dental supplies for monthly hygiene packets.
"This year to date, we have received a generous donation of $500 from Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club No. 730 and another generous donation of $1000 from Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club No. 85," Easley reported. "The dental offices of Dr. Tim Pinther, Dr. Jay Marriage, Dr. Gary Anderson, Dr. Scott Forvilly, Dr. Stoll, the orthodontic office of Dr. Vincent D'Ascoli, Doug and Kim Russell at Russell's Mercantile, Trader Joe's, Kevin Mary at Lira's, Costco, Walgreens, Angela Wood at Carson Valley Supercenter Walmart, Target and numerous other members of our community have all contributed generously.
"Several significant donations have come in from anonymous businesses and families - all of which we are extremely grateful for. The volunteers that weekly support our program include Michelle Tems with Red Barn Photography, Judy Waite and Mike Gilbert."
Easley said it has been proven that children's temperament and ability to learn greatly improve with proper nourishment.
"In some trial programs like this, schools witnessed test score increases by as much as 20 percent," she said. "Like you, we care deeply about our beloved children and cannot allow them to come to school on Monday morning starving. No student can learn when their stomach is empty."
Those interested in supporting the Backpack Buddies Club for Minden Elementary School, or any schools within Douglas County, either with food or monetary donations, should contact Easley at (775) 309-7979 or gingereasley@verizon.net.
