Mission Focus - Backpack Program

The Mission Focus for the beginning part of the 2012 will the the local Backpack Program.  The special offerings and collections we receive during this part of the year will be given to this program to help those in need locally.

This program was stared last fall by the Nemaha County Ministerial Association.  It is presently working with kids in grades K-6.  Last fall, the association supplied school supplies in brand new backpacks to students whose families are experiencing financial difficulty.  They also have been providing food backpacks once a month to students from families who depend on the school supplied breakfasts/lunches during the week, but need additional help for the weekends.  The contents of the backpacks vary from month to month, depending on what is available through private donations (food and money) and generous people willing to go shopping for what is needed that isn't already on hand.  

They provide basic, healthy food for each backpack (also a treat or two now and then, if possible), and a voucher for each family for perishable items.  They have an agreement with a local convenience store to provide milk, eggs, bread, cheese and juice, for which they are reimbursed.