Carson Valley banks are collecting food for the Douglas County Backpack Buddies Program.
Organizers Lin Larson and Nancy Stiles said they are helping more than 180 children who are essentially homeless at four different elementary schools in Douglas County, including Meneley, Jacks Valley, Scarselli and Gardnerville elementary schools.
"Four schools is all we can handle now," Stiles said. "We're hoping to get the project started for all the elementary schools."
The program provides food for children who are on free and reduced meal programs at the schools and would otherwise go without during the weekend.
Greater Nevada Credit Union, Bank of America and Wells Fargo are sponsoring a food drive through April 15.
Program participants fill backpacks with food items every Thursday and Friday. The program relies on food or money donations to fill the backpacks.
All the food goes to the schools, where counselors distribute to the children in need.
Attached to each of the food drops is a list of suggested items for donation.
Stiles and Larson said they started a Douglas County branch of the national program in November.
A similar program was organized at Minden Elementary School for students.
The Minden program has been in existence for the last few years.
Canned tuna
Canned chicken
100-percent fruit juice
Lite fruit cup or applesauce
Canned soup or Top Ramen
Canned ravioli, spaghetti
Macaroni and cheese
Rice a Roni
Refried beans
Small raisins boxes
Nuts
Popcorn
Crackers and cheese
Hot cocoa
Instant oatmeal
Canned vegetables
Pudding
Whole wheat bread
Fresh fruit
Cold cereal
Baked corn chips
Salsa
Peanut butter
Hygiene products
Bar soap
Toothpaste
Children's shampoo
Ziploc bags
