'Blessings in a Backpack' helps feed local hungry kids

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

Students seemed a blur of action as they unpacked and sorted donated food before stuffing the goods in bags, getting the weekly “Blessings in a Backpack” donation ready to fill the tummies of hungry youngsters right here in the Highland Lakes region.

Last week, National Honor Society students from Faith Academy in Marble Falls participated in the Blessings in a Backpack program, which has been helping Marble Falls Independent School District elementary students since 2012.

“It’s a unique experience,” said sophomore Sydney Ward. “It feels good to help others and make a difference.”

Almost 30 students filled an assembly room at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Marble Falls ready and willing to make a difference. The non-perishable foods they pack up is meant to feed hungry students through the weekend. There are some 134 students helped each week who qualify for free and reduced meals.

Patti Henderson, academic assistant at Faith Academy, said students helped with the program last year and enjoyed it. “It can take volunteers hours to do what these students do in 20 minutes,” she said. Faith families also donated boxes upon boxes of cereal.

Senior Calley Cozby was one of the students who participated last year. “I like the idea behind it, and with all of us working together we get it done fast,” she said.

Blessings in a Backpack is a nationwide nonprofit organization, with each program operating independently, said program coordinator Greg Murrell.

Blessings provides the backpacks, along with a little name recognition.

The regional program operates out of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which has been generous with letting Murrell use storage space and providing a rich source of volunteers and donations, he said.

For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.