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Backpack program blessed twice
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June 21, 2012 |
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BoCo
Backpack volunteers receive $2,500 at
the Idaho Community Foundation luncheon.
(l-r) Mike Woodward, Barb Binnal, Pastor
Bruce Barth, Shirley Anderson, Gayle
Goodsen, Chris Dinning, Gini Woodward,
Janice Tucker, ICF President and CEO Bob
Hoover ICF and Merle Dinning. |
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The Idaho Community Foundation blessed the
children of Boundary County twice this month
when they awarded two separate grants totaling
$4000 to the BoCo Backpack weekend supplemental
food program.
The first grant of $1500 was awarded by the
Children’s Charities of Idaho in the Idaho
Community Foundation funded through the Idaho
Community Foundation Youth Trust Fund as part of
the ICF annual funding cycle.
In addition, BoCo Backpacks were invited to
compete in an “On the Spot” grant competition at
the Idaho Community Foundation annual North
Idaho Luncheon at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on
June 19. The focus of the program was children’s
health. Four north Idaho non-profits were each
allowed four minutes to present the needs and
benefits of their programs for an opportunity to
win $2500.
The audience of 250 people, by ballot, selected
the BoCo Backpack video presentation narrated by
JoJo Baker. Each of the other groups was awarded
$500 by an anonymous donor, so none of the
organizations went home empty handed.
The funds will give a great boost to the
Boundary County weekend supplemental food
program for school age children.
This past year, 30 children at Naples benefited
from the program. Beginning in the fall of 2012,
the organization hopes to provide for another 30
students at Mt. Hall. A long term goal is to
also include Valley View students.
Boundary County's four day school week leaves
three days when students who qualify for free
and reduced meal programs may have little or no
food. The weekend food kits, purchased from
Second Harvest, include nutritionally balanced
individual servings. The cost per student is
$6.11 per week, approximately $225 per school
year. A total of $13,500 is needed to provide
for a total of sixty students.
BoCo Backpacks is a community-wide volunteer
organization, sponsored by Trinity Lutheran
Church.
In addition to foundation grants, generous
donations from Rotary, Beta Sigma Phi, Tattered
Hats, several church women’s groups, and many
individuals are proving once again that our
community cares for our children.
Volunteers are needed to coordinate the Mt. Hall
distribution program.
Donations are always welcome and may be made to
BoCo Backpacks, c/o Trinity Lutheran Church,
6784 Cody, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 83805.
For more information or to volunteer please
contact Shirley Anderson, (208) 267-3068, or
Merle Dinning, (208) 267-3033. |
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