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Back the Pack in Massena provides 68,000 snack packs

Posted 11/15/18

Did you know that since 2011, Back the Pack in Massena has provided 68,000 snack packs to the children in our community? Last year we had 306 children receive snack packs each week. That is 13,380 …

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Back the Pack in Massena provides 68,000 snack packs

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Did you know that since 2011, Back the Pack in Massena has provided 68,000 snack packs to the children in our community? Last year we had 306 children receive snack packs each week. That is 13,380 snack packs.

Did you know that Massena Back the Pack is totally volunteer? We have no paid staff. Volunteers pack the bags, work our fundraisers, deliver snacks weekly and also donate monetarily. All those bags have to be filled and volunteers from SeaComm, Rose Hill, Arconic, Alcoa, Massena Fire Department and others have helped.

Did you that all this is done through our two fundraisers, donations, and grants? The $20,000 grant we received from Alcoa recently will pay for two of the four food orders for this school year. Other wonderful companies who have supported us financially are RJ Maxx Foundation, Seacomm and Arconic. Last year we received a $5,o00 grant from the People’s Project, which is an initiative from NYSUT (New York State United Teachers).

Our rental space has been provided by Lori Hewlett of Curves, Massena Savings and oan and currently by St. Lawrnece Centre mall (including utilities). The Italian American Club has sponsored our spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the past 8 years. Cape Air and Akwesasne Mohawk Casino are major sponsors of our major fall gift card tree. There are many non-profits that also donate each year. We appreciate every single one of those donations.

Did you know that Back the Pack also helps families of junior high students? This program is designed to help families whose food stamps may not stretch to the end of the month or poor working families who need a little helping hand. This might include jars of spaghetti sauce, boxes of pasta, and vegetables. This cost is $300-400 monthly. We also accept donations of any toiletries for these families.

Did you know the statistics for free and reduced lunches in our school system are staggering? There are 2,800 students in the Massena Central School District. Last year 1,450 students received free lunch and 100 reduced lunch costs. That’s 55 percent free lunch and 4 percent reduced lunch. And, the program is increasing, as is our budget.

I write this to let you know that these children need your donations. When you see that we received a large grant, now you know how far it goes. Now you know we still and always need your help.

It’s sad that our area has so many children in this situation but it’s our current reality and we are doing the best we can to give aid. Our communities are not alone in this need. Back the Pack and other similar organizations are nationwide. Thank you for giving your hearts. God bless.

Helen Clookey

Back the Pack volunteer