I would like our community to know that over 40% of children in the North Mason School District rely on free or reduced price lunches at their school. For some of these children, this is the most nutritional meal they receive all day. Some of these children have little or no food to eat on weekends. Whatever their circumstances, they are children who need our help. Programs such as this have been shown to increase attendance, decrease behavior problems, improve concentration abilities and improve academic achievement.

Food for Kids Backpack Program is an endeavor of the Coalition of Churches and Community, that partners with the North Mason School District, and the Readiness to Learn Program, to provide food for these children over the weekends.

Each week, backpacks are filled by volunteers with practical and nutritious foods. These packs are then delivered to the schools where staff confidentially and discreetly distribute them to the students who need them most. The students then return the backpacks to their school on Monday, where they are picked up to be refilled.

Besides volunteer opportunities, donations are needed to purchase food and backpacks. Your donations of time and/or cash is needed. As little as $5.00 fills a backpack per week, $20 a month, or $200 a year to help feed a local child.

If you are interested in volunteering, getting a list of the foods needed, and/or to provide a monetary donation, please contact me via email or phone. My phone# is 360-275-8174.

The Coalition of Churches and Community also has another volunteer opportunity which I would like the ladies to know about. Serving Sunday Suppers at the Theler Center and/or serving Friday Lunches at the old Belfair Cafe. If you are interested in either of these volunteer opportunities please contact me via email or phone. My phone # is 360-275-8174.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Fondly, Teri Patterson