Backpack Program Receives Substantial Donation
The ongoing efforts by the Allen County Schools’ Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSC) to provide weekend food to students received a $7,000 donation this week. The local Scottish Rite Club in Allen County presented a $3,500 check to FRYSC officials. The donation was matched dollar-for-dollar by the Valley of Louisville Scottish Rite.
The Backpack Program is organized and maintained by FRYSC at each school---The Allen County Primary Center, the Allen County Intermediate Center, the James E. Bazzell Middle School, and the Allen County-Scottsville High School. The program was started several years ago for kids who might otherwise go hungry on weekends.
FRYSC staff identify children at each school who find themselves needing food over the weekend. The children receive breakfast and lunch each day when school is in session---meals provided at no cost to students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. The CEP allows all students to eat for free without applications in counties deemed high poverty. However, kids from each school find themselves in need of basic food items when school is not in session.
To address the need, each week FRYSC officials prepare backpacks with food staples. The backpacks are discreetly given to students each Friday to be used over the weekend. On the students’ first day back the following week, backpacks are returned. FRYSC staff restock the backpacks and repeat the process.
To help FRYSC cover the costs, the Scottish Rite Club of Allen County raises funds to support the worthy program. The majority of the funds for their annual donation is raised through sandwich sales at First Friday events. First Friday is the Heart of Scottsville monthly street fair promoting downtown Scottsville while creating a family-oriented night of activities on or near the Scottsville Square. First Fridays are held on the first Friday of each month from April through December.
The Valley of Louisville Scottish Rite offers their support by matching the donation. The act is in line with the Scottish Rite’s mission “to improve its members and enhance the communities in which they live by teaching and emulating the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, family and country.”
For more information on the FRYSC Backpack Program in Allen County or to donate to the program, contact the FRYSC at any school.