Just $1 provides 15 pounds
of food to those in need.
Donations being collected for backpack program
Jan 11, 2012
DOMINIC GENETTI of Hannibal Courier Post
They’re simple things that may be taken for granted.
Things like toiletries, bathing supplies and full meals are just part of many households, but others struggle to make ends meet.
Many families are hurting in the current economy and can’t afford most meals, let alone simple hygienic products. While parents have to face each day with these struggles, their children have to do what they can to get through each school day with unmet needs.
But you can help.
The Courier-Post, along with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Kids in Motion — both are branches of Douglass Community Services — are sponsoring the Backpack Program at Hannibal Middle School. Backpacks of food are sent home with students of struggling families each weekend, but more items are needed.
Middle school administrators have specifically requested donations of shampoo, conditioner, bath soap and deodorant.
“One of the things that we’ve found here, even in our regular food pantry, is while we can provide food, families also need those personal care items — and those are not cheap,” Dave Dexheimer, executive director of Douglass Community Services, said. “Those are things most families can’t even begin to think about affording, especially if food is an issue. Those personal care items are very important, because not only are they getting the food, they’re also getting some things that build up self-esteem, help them feel more confident about themselves. I believe that can have a major impact on how they perceive themselves and how others see them.”
The middle school backpack program is fully supported by the community. Elementary schools have the Buddy Pak Program which is supported by The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.
“This is something our area needs,” Jeanne Zerbonia, advertising director at the Courier-Post, said. “We’re taking care of the middle school students who are in need of certain things.”
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Kids in Motion will be collecting donations throughout the city of Hannibal through Jan. 27. Collection boxes are at Douglass Community Services, located at 711 Grand, and at the Hannibal Courier-Post, located at 200 N. Third.
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