A weekend program that sends food home with school-age children has a new name and new leadership.
“Pack a Punch at Hunger” has launched under the coordination of the Houston Community Betterment and Arts Council and Y.O.U.T.H. The program was formerly called “Blessings in a Backpack.”
Through the community effort, children from Houston and Success schools on the federal free and reduced meal programs are eligible to receive nutritious food options on Fridays when they leave school. School officials say for some children, meals at school are the only ones they receive.
Sandy Cremer, coordinator for the program, said it costs about $7 per weekend for each child. That adds up to $280 for the school year. She said the group is seeking one-time donations or pledges of monthly contributions to support the cause.
Two upcoming events will assist the organization. A bake sale is from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Houston Walmart Supercenter. On Sept. 23, a fundraiser will be held from 4-8 p.m. at Pizza Hut in Houston with 20 percent of sales donated to the group.
Donations may be mailed to CBAC, Pack a Punch at Hunter, P.O. Box 222, Houston, Mo., 65483. They can also be dropped off with Elaine Campbell at Houston City Hall or Cremer at Houston High School.
For more information, contact Cremer at 417-260-4977 or board member Glenda Jones at 417-499-3570.