You may have read about it in the Salem News, but the Backpacks of Love program Salem UMC is involved in has gotten a huge boost!  Salem Memorial District Hospital will serve as fiscal agent to help get grants for Lovepack Backpack Program to feed hungry school children on weekends.

Hospital directors approved the proposal during their regular board meeting Jan. 21. The presentation was made by Dent County Healthy Communities (DCHC) Chairman Ray Walden and Council for a Healthy Dent County and Lovepack Program organizers Jann Craig and Liz Gruendel.  Hospital Director Judy Thompson recommended that SMDH support the project as fiscal agent.

“Knowing what this program is doing for some children in our community, why would everyone not want to be involved in this wonderful program,” Thompson said. “It will truly touch ones heart and make a difference.”

Craig said the Backback Program currently provides non-perishable food that is sent home each weekend with about 70 school children who need it. Currently the program is funded by local donations from individuals and businesses. Backpack meals cost about $9 each and additional funding sources are vital to keep the program going.

If approved, the first grant would be used to help support the Dent County Backpack Program. The grant would be for a three-year period and the group will be requesting $125,000.

If you would like to support and/or participate in this powerful community program, please contact the church office for more information!

Tags: Backpacks of Love, Dent County Healthy Communities, Grants, Salem Memorial District Hospital, Salem News

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