Did you know that every Thursday morning a dedicated group of volunteers meets at Sunny Hill Elementary School to pack bags of food for children in need within District 220? Before Barrington Children’s Charities “Blessings in a Backpack” began over 6 years ago, students in need were able to receive lunches and other assistance but only while at school. This left children without food support for Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

That’s where Barrington Children’s Charities stepped in with the Blessings in a Backpack program. Now, before the end of each school week, students receive bags filled with nutritious food to fuel their weekends. This means when students arrive Monday morning, their bellies are full and they are ready to learn!

The program is fully funded by Barrington Children’s Charities and managed by volunteers from the Barrington area. President Martin McLaughlin was honored to join the program volunteers today (9/28/17) at Sunny Hill to celebrate the 2017 National Blessings in a Backpack Day. He expressed how impressed he was with the efficient operation of the program stating that “no one should underestimate a small group of volunteers working together for a great cause.”

If you want to learn more about Blessings in a Backpack, go to blessingsinabackpack.org.