An estimated 25-30% of all school-age children in Laurel County are going hungry from the time they leave school on Friday untill they return to school the following Monday. As a result, The Backpack Club began in
September of 2004 with the goal of meeting the needs of these hungry children throughout the county.
At the inception of the Backpack Club, sixty-five children were receiving weekly food bags. At present, approximately 1,400 children are being served. The program is now effectively operating in "every" elementary, middle and high school in the county.
Testimonials from children and their families are a regular confirmation that we are "on track" with this outreach. However, we continually strive to improve and increase our effectiveness by looking for special opportunities throughout the year to assist those in need.
Outreach Overview
Food items that are collected from donors or purchased with program funds are housed in The Backpack Club warehouse.
A team of volunteers carefully pack the bags and get them ready for pick up.
Needy children are identified and enrolled in The Backpack Club by Family Resource Centers throughout the county.
Each school designates a "pick-up" area where food bags can be distributed.
Children enrolled in the program stop by the pick-up area every Friday (r the last day of the school week) before going home. The bag of nonperishable food items can be discreetly placed in their backpack.
Our dedicated volunteers generously pack the bags each week with 15-20 items. A bag typically contains the following:
Microwavable Mac-n-cheese
Ramen Noodles
Single Serving Vegetables
Cheese on Cheese Crackers
Toaster Pastry
Raisins
Fruit or Applesauce Cup
Flavored Oatmeal Packet
Fruit Snacks
Fresh Fruit
Fruit Juice or Milk
Drink Mix Packet
Single Serving Cereal Box
Potato Chips
Candy or Treat
Other Items as Available
How You Can Help
The success of The Backpack Club is made possible by a network of local businesses, community organizations and individuals who partner together in order to "make a difference." This network, along with our outreach volunteers, and committed staff from each individual school, make a great team!
As it is with any successful outreach, The Backack Club must have continual donations of funds and supplies in order to serve those in need. Your contributions help make it possible to continue meeting the needs of the children of Laurel County.
Donation Information
The Backpack Club is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible and all donations are tax deductible.
Checks should be made payable to: The Backpack Club
Donation receipts will be mailed at year-end or upon request.
The Backpack Club, Inc.
390 Faith Assembly Church Road
London, Kentucky 40741
Phone: 606-682-0848
Fax: 606-864-9423
Federal ID# 51-0536083
