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Opinion: Potsdam Snack Pack Program feeds 160 children

Posted 12/27/17

To the Editor: What an incredible year this has been for the Potsdam Snack Pack Program, especially the last four months! When we launched the program last November, our goal was to provide healthy …

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Opinion: Potsdam Snack Pack Program feeds 160 children

Posted

To the Editor:

What an incredible year this has been for the Potsdam Snack Pack Program, especially the last four months! When we launched the program last November, our goal was to provide healthy snacks on the weekends to elementary school students eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Since then the number of students served has increased from 40 to more than 160 each week, and now includes students across the Potsdam Central School District. Food insecurity is a reality in our community, and we wanted to ensure that the resources were available to support the students enrolled in the program.

When word got out that we needed more donations to support the sudden growth in our program (huge thank you to John Winter and the B99.3 staff), the community responded in a big way! My heart is overflowing with gratitude and thanks to all the people who responded to our appeal for cash and food donations.

Because of your commitment to the Snack Pack Program we received almost $4,000 in cash donations, 1,400 food items, and packed a total of 1,898 snack packs! Special thanks to Daryl Kolanko from Potsdam Agway, North Country Savings Bank, the Knight Club, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Morgan Stanley, SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University organizations, and every person who said yes when we asked for help.

I continue to be encouraged and amazed by the level of support received from local businesses, organizations, and private individuals. I also want to thank New Hope Community Church for sponsoring the Snack Pack Program and cheerfully donating a prized classroom to use as our storage and distribution site.

For more information about ways you can support the Potsdam Snack Pack Program check out our Facebook page or email pdamsnacks@gmail.com Checks should be made out to the Potsdam Snack Pack Program and mailed to 200 Market Street, #228, Potsdam, NY 13676. Donations can also be made at any North Country Savings Bank.

Laurell Brault, Coordinator

Potsdam Snack Pack Program