collecting now
Backpacks of Love is designed to provide children experiencing food insecurity with nutritious, kid-friendly, pre-packed meals for the weekend—when they would not have access to a school’s free lunch and breakfast. Gainesville First is partnering with Centennial Elementary to provide the food for 55 backpacks monthly.
How can you help?
We need donations of non-perishable foods (only the items on the list below) and volunteers to pack the backpacks. We will also be accepting monetary donations for this outreach. This is a great ministry to get your small group, Sunday school class, and/or Soul Connection group involved in to make an impact in the lives of children. We would love for your group to both provide the items needed and pack the backpacks for the week you sign up for, if possible.
If you are interested, please get in touch with Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com.
DATES WE WILL DELIVER TO THE SCHOOLS (Fridays):
*Bags will need to be packed sometime the week before each delivery date.
9/22/23
10/20/23
11/17/23
12/15/23
1/19/24
2/16/24
3/15/24
4/12/24
5/17/24
If you or your group signs up, the need will be for 55 bags. The cost is less than $400 at Aldi. We will also be accepting monetary donations for this outreach.
Grocery List from Aldi:
55 Simply Nature Organic Spaghetti 1.65/each total $90.75
55 Reggano Meat Pasta Sauce 1.65/each total $90.75
9 count Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup 12 pack $4.05 (9 packs) total $36.45
55 Cheese Club's Mac and Cheese Dinner .65/each total $35.75
55 Sweet Harvest Peach Slices 1.35/each total $74.25
55 Happy Harvest Cut Green Beans .75/each total $41.25
6 Millville Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack (10 in a pack) 1.85/each total $11.10
Variations are fine.