Backpack Program
The first week of October, 2010, United Way and the Salvation Army partnered to begin the Backpack Program for Batavia schools. The purpose of the Backpack Program is to feed children that may be going hungry on the weekends. Many schools in our area serve breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday it is assumed that they are fed at home. Unfortunately, hundreds of children in our area do not have enough to eat on the weekends and struggle to learn and thrive due to hunger. Since the program began, school faculty have stated that the students seem more at ease and ready to learn Monday morning and not as anxious on Friday afternoon. The backpacks get packed by United Way staff and volunteers every Thursday at the Salvation Army. Currently, we have received $4,174 in monetary donations, and many food donations from local businesses. Fortunately the amazing support from generous community donors has allowed this program to succeed and continue to help our local children in need.