Connecting Round Rock: Education Allies – Backpack Friends
Describe your mission and work focused on local learners.
The Backpack Friends‘ mission is to wipe out weekend hunger among school children in our community.
What is your favorite part about the work your organization does?
Our favorite part of our work is when we deliver food to the campuses! The students are always so excited and grateful. Knowing the nutrition in their weekend kits is fueling their bodies and minds (and fueling their academic careers!) is a blessing!
What is one challenge your organization faces?
In this economy, our biggest challenge is funding the hundreds of children on our waitlist.
How does your organization prepare to kick off the school year?
Imagine Beyoncè and Costco having a baby and throwing a party! We’re kicking off the school year with our famous “Packing Parties,” which are just that!
How can Round Rock (and the surrounding areas) support your organization?
At only $5 per child per week, we need local heroes to sponsor a child on our waitlist. And we always need volunteers for packing parties and our upcoming Holiday Extravaganza in downtown Round Rock! Volunteer opportunity information can be found here.
Anything else you would like to share?
A few weeks ago, at a corporate volunteer event, a 22-year-old young lady raised her hand and asked to speak to the group. Through her tears, she said, “All four years I was in high school, I relied on this. I didn’t have anything else.” You could hear a pin drop as she shared in front of her co-workers and peers. As a child, she was in need. Now as an adult, she’s giving back. THIS is how we win against hunger. We believe no child in Round Rock should ever be hungry.
Hunger is complicated. But feeding a child isn’t.
Connecting Round Rock
Know an organization, business, or person we could include in our series?
Email us at connect@roundtherocktx.com.
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