It wasabout ten yearsago that we pitched the idea to Mt.Bethel UMCabout providing food to elementary "food insecure" children. The idea was received with enthusiasm but it appeared a great deal of research would be needed to get such a venture off the ground! No need to worry, though ...God stepped in and the idea took off! Within a few weeks,a team of dedicated Christians from Mt.Bethel with a "let'sget it done" attitude was formed. A former teacher who understood the huge need for this ministry recommended Fair OaksElementary School as the target. After the first meeting with the principal,we knew we had the perfect match! A week later, the church provided access to the Cagle House. All the pieces came together. We had a team, a place, and a school with a great principal, staff, and student body. Thiswill be our 9th year and the original team is still serving! We have a base of hundredsof dedicated volunteersof all different walksand ages. We started small and have expanded to a high point of over 600 back packsper week. We have now added two more locations.: Acworth Elementary & the Salvation Army after school program aswell aspartnering with the Fair Oaks food pantry. We have provided over $1.3M of food to children who otherwise would have gone without over the weekend. Back Pack Blessingsnot only servesmany children -- we deliver and demonstrate the love of Christ We have laughed with the children, prayed in the halllways, and prayed over and for the children, staff, and their families. The principal recognizesus asan important part of the community and a key to improved student performance. We thank God for thisopportunity to serve those in need.
TonyPalermo
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
newsletters & Blogs
September 2024
|