• Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
    • College Sports
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • High School Sports
    • Black Hills High School
    • Capital High School
    • North Thurston High School
    • Northwest Christian High School
    • Olympia High School
    • Pope John Paul II High School
    • Rainier High School
    • River Ridge High School
    • Rochester High School
    • Tenino High School
    • Timberline High School
    • Tumwater High School
    • Yelm High School
    • Rec League
    • Semi-Pro Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Day Trips
Search
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      Counselor JJ Pritchett meets with an Olympic View Elementary student. at a table.

      North Thurston Public Schools Strengthens Support for Mental Wellness Among Students

      child in mask at a school cafeteria being handed food by a lady in a mask

      North Thurston Public Schools Provides Valuable Summer Support for Minds and…

      South Puget Sound Community College Transition Studies building

      Transition Studies at South Puget Sound Community College: Learning English and…

      Morgan with her forehead touching Scout's in a field

      A Pandemic Purchase Helps Grieving Family, Puts Daughter on the Path…

  • Sports
    • AllCollege SportsSouth Puget Sound Community CollegeHigh School SportsBlack Hills High SchoolCapital High SchoolNorth Thurston High SchoolNorthwest Christian High SchoolOlympia High SchoolPope John Paul II High SchoolRainier High SchoolRiver Ridge High SchoolRochester High SchoolTenino High SchoolTimberline High SchoolTumwater High SchoolYelm High SchoolRec LeagueSemi-Pro Sports
      justin erickson 2022 capital marathon

      2022 Capital City Marathon

      Tumwater High School Senior Ryan Orr Strikes Out 17 Batters, Eyes…

      Area High School Track Athletes Compete At 56th Annual Shaner Invite

      North Thurston Sweeps Timberline In Girls 3A Tennis

  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      outside street view of Dancing Goats Coffee's new location in Olympia,

      Springtime Movin’ and Groovin’ at Dancing Goats Coffee

      Where To Get Thai Food in Lacey

      The Gay '90s Special Pizza with cashews, pepperoni, sausage and onions

      Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor: Half a Century and Going Strong

      Exploring Indigenous Jazz Musicians at the Washington Center: May 19, 2022

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      man in business shirt holding a tablet and talking on the phone in a modern kitchen

      Heritage Bank: Advertising That Works

      Jennifer Penrose demonstrates that simple exercises using a chair can help build strength

      Penrose Physical Therapy Busts Myths About Arthritis and Aging and Can…

      Oly Sudz soap in a gift basket

      Oly Sudz: Crafting Botanical Soaps Using Locally Sourced and Sustainable Ingredients

      Lots of Living Left To Do

  • History
    • The Governor’s Mansion in 1958.

      Governor’s Mansion on the State Capitol Campus

      Ariel view of The Evergreen State College

      Ken Balsley: The Evergreen State College, a History of Its Origin

      E. R. Thoma (back row, center) and staff of Olympia High School in the 1913 Commencement issue of Olympia High School’s Olympus yearbook.

      People in Public Service: Earl Raymond Thoma, Founder of Olympia High…

      Group of Olympia Orthopaedics doctors in the past

      Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Celebrates 50 Years of Memories

      This view of Rainier's historical church from Minnesota Street showcases the freshly painted white siding, windows, gabled roof, tower and white picket fence.

      Rainier’s Remodel of Its Historical Church Gives the Building New Life…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • South Puget Sound Community College Transition Studies building

      Transition Studies at South Puget Sound Community College: Learning English and…

      Young child playing with a wooden trail at South Sound Parent to Parent

      South Sound Parent to Parent Initiates Early Intervention Transition Program

      Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: Christlike Agrotourism for Racial Equality

      group photo of people from Transitional Living

      Ta-Da!’ Virtually Attend a Red Carpet and Auction to Support Truly…

      billiard table at the Coastal Community Action Program Youth Shelter

      Coastal Community Action Program Gives Homeless Kids a Walkthrough of Life…

  • LocalTalk
    • Robert Coit of thurston county food bank headshot

      Long Time Director to Leave Thurston County Food Bank

      Thurston County Scenic Olympia Capital

      Thurston County Commissioners Award Treatment Sales Tax Funds

      Washington State Launches Orca Website

      bottle of Westport Winery Little Wild against wood background

      Westport Winery Wins Golds at Women’s Wine Competition

      PSE Foundation Launches a $600,000 Competitive Grant Program To Empower Community…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston

      Thrifty Summer Date Ideas in Thurston County

      dozens of pairs of legs with dance shoes stepping forward to create a heart shape

      South Sound Dance Has 10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Dance

      Thurston County Crossword May 2022

      Joanne Osband stands by her art hanging on a wall in Olympia

      Art Studios in Thurston County

  • Events
    • inside of Browsers Bookstore

      A Favorite Returns: Support Small Businesses, Earn Prizes During LoveOly Shop…

      Kevin and daughter, Olivia siting at kitchen table with Dirty Dave's Pizza delivery for All Kids Win

      Shop, Savor, Support: Mark Your Calendars for All Kids Win Fundraiser…

      group photo of people from Transitional Living

      Ta-Da!’ Virtually Attend a Red Carpet and Auction to Support Truly…

      concept drawing of the new Saturday Market at West Central Park

      Local Flavors and Familiar Faces at West Olympia’s New Saturday Market

      Kate Isler and Susan Gates, founders of TheWMarketplace headshot

      Get Inspired at the 6th Annual Washington Center for Women in…

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Day Trips
Home Non-Profits Feed Hungry Kids for Just $8 with Homeless Backpacks

Feed Hungry Kids for Just $8 with Homeless Backpacks

By
Kathryn Millhorn
homeless backpacks
When the Gateway Rotary volunteered for Homeless Backpacks, they bagged 614 bags of food.
FacebookTweetPin

 

By Kathryn Millhorn

dirty daves pizza parlor new logoAs we brace ourselves for a season of hectic overindulgence, let’s not forget our friends and neighbors in need, especially homeless children among us whose voice may not be heard. NoKidHungry.org reports that 16 million kids in the U.S. struggle with hunger and “3 out of 4 public school teachers say that students regularly come to school hungry. 81% say it happens at least once a week.”

During the school year, free and reduced breakfast and lunch options provide meals for 37% of Thurston County’s nearly 40,000 public school students. But what happens over the weekend, holidays, or summer vacation? That’s where the volunteers of Lacey’s Homeless Backpacks step in. For only $8 a bag, they’ll provide homeless youth with food for the weekend, thanks to generous donations, partnerships with small businesses, and caring organizations like the Thurston County Food Bank.

homeless backpacks
When the Gateway Rotary volunteered for Homeless Backpacks, they bagged 614 bags of food.

Kelly Wilson is one of Homeless Backpacks’ founding board members and has been Program Chair since the beginning. She estimates that over the past nine years they’ve had almost a thousand volunteers from churches, sports teams, dance troupes, the state employees Combined Fund Drive, and civic groups like local Rotary, Lions Club, Boy and Girl Scouts.

From feeding 200 students a year in the beginning, they peaked at more than 500. But with Grays Harbor and Mason County recently setting up similar organizations of their own, they ended the 2014-2015 school year helping 400 students and are already at 321 for the new 2015-2016 school year.

The process is entirely anonymous for the Homeless Backpacks volunteers. They receive only numbers of bags needed from school counselors. These caring folks work closely with teachers to identify students in need. After almost a decade of feeding the hungry, Wilson’s says she’s “unsure if hunger is growing or counselors are simply doing a better job identifying homeless kids.”

homeless backpacks
Food and fun happened at the “Flapjacks 4 Backpacks” fundraiser at the Lacey Senior Center.

In Thurston County, elementary students needing this extra assistance are aided by the Thurston County Food Bank while Homeless Backpacks cares for teenagers in need. But for the rural areas of Rochester, Tenino, Yelm, and Rainier, Homeless Backpacks assists any students needing their help.

“We do the best we can with the circumstances we have,” explains Wilson. With that in mind, most backpacks contain foods that are easy to carry, store, heat, and eat. This may include chili, tuna fish, macaroni and cheese, ravioli, instant oatmeal, granola bars, juice, shelf-safe milk, applesauce, and mixed fruit cups.

Because of their pledge towards anonymity, it’s rare to receive a thank you. But, says Wilson, “once in a while we receive a card and it’s like Christmas for us!” They also invite former students to speak at their fundraising events and it becomes a high point of everyone’s evening.

homeless backpacks
State workers helped raise money for Homeless Backpacks by coordinating a 5K during this fall’s Combined Fund Drive.

Online donations are always welcome and groups are encouraged to select an item from their What We Need list and host a drive for that specific food. Offices have been known to hold workplace chili or tuna drives, which makes it easier for both donors and Homeless Backpacks volunteers.

Community members interested in helping or becoming a volunteer can learn more by attending their upcoming Bountiful Harvest event on Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. Promising “great opportunities to get those perfect gifts for your loved ones and enjoy an amazing dinner while you are at it” the evening includes a catered meal donated by the generous staff at the Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel as well as live and silent auctions, raffles, and a delicious dessert dash. Purchase tickets in advance online or by calling the Homeless BackPacks staff at 360-628-8631.

Follow Homeless Backpacks on Facebook to view Bountiful Harvest auction items, recent volunteer activity, and current lists of most-needed items. Their online events page or volunteer portal provide ways to help, directly or indirectly.

Educators report that “With breakfast, educators see a profound change for the better: 73% see kids paying better attention in class, 53% see improved attendance, 48% see fewer disciplinary problems.” Imagine what an entire weekend’s worth of food can do for a hungry teenager and their scholastic success.

Contact Kelly Wilson with any questions about Bountiful Harvest or Homeless Backpacks. She’s always willing to suggest needed ways to help or answer questions about this community treasure.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin
Previous articleConstruction Expands Learning Opportunities for North Thurston Public Schools Students
Next articleThrifty Thurston Chases 9 Waterfalls Near Hood Canal
Kathryn Millhorn

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

South Puget Sound Community College Transition Studies building

Transition Studies at South Puget Sound Community College: Learning English and Earning Diplomas

Young child playing with a wooden trail at South Sound Parent to Parent

South Sound Parent to Parent Initiates Early Intervention Transition Program

Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: Christlike Agrotourism for Racial Equality

Upcoming Events

May
18
Wed
all-day Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-... @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-... @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
May 18 all-day
Tumwater Community Gardens Sign-ups Are Open! @ Tumwater United Methodist Church
Tumwater United Methodist Church is proud to announce the first community garden in Tumwater. We are now taking applications for a garden plot. We have 12 raised beds, two of which are elevated. The cost[...]
8:00 am Martin Way Online Open House and... @ Thurston Regional Planning Council
Martin Way Online Open House and... @ Thurston Regional Planning Council
May 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Martin Way Online Open House and Community Survey @ Thurston Regional Planning Council
Help shape the future of the Martin Way Corridor. Now through the end of May, take a few minutes to explore the Martin Way Corridor via an online open house, which walks through the land[...]
10:00 am Senior Services for South Sound ... @ Olympia Senior Center
Senior Services for South Sound ... @ Olympia Senior Center
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Senior Services for South Sound Speaker Series:  "How Audio Technology Changed the World" @ Olympia Senior Center
Humanities WA presents Ross Reynolds! Although we live in a visual world, audio still has the power to create intimacy and spark the imagination like no other medium can. Veteran broadcaster Ross Reynolds explores the[...]
10:30 am I Can Yoga with Rachel @ Sensory Tool House, LLC
I Can Yoga with Rachel @ Sensory Tool House, LLC
May 18 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
I Can Yoga with Rachel @ Sensory Tool House, LLC
Did you know yoga is supportive of all our sensory systems? Help your body regulate and join Rachel in the Sensory Tool House, LLC community room for some relaxation and stretching. I Can Yoga is[...]
5:30 pm Volunteer Orientation for Big Br... @ Virtual
Volunteer Orientation for Big Br... @ Virtual
May 18 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Volunteer Orientation for Big Brothers Big Sisters @ Virtual
Join a virtual volunteer orientation and learn more information about becoming a volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Learn how we ignite the power and promise of youth with our proven system of[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

man in business shirt holding a tablet and talking on the phone in a modern kitchen

Heritage Bank: Advertising That Works

Submitted by Shaun Carson for Heritage Bank Advertising should be viewed as an investment that generates a return rather than a fixed cost. Many businesses...
Jennifer Penrose demonstrates that simple exercises using a chair can help build strength

Penrose Physical Therapy Busts Myths About Arthritis and Aging and Can...

Oly Sudz soap in a gift basket

Oly Sudz: Crafting Botanical Soaps Using Locally Sourced and Sustainable Ingredients

Lots of Living Left To Do

wall of pet toys and supplies at Mud Bay

Pet Stores in Thurston County

Trending Now

Robert Coit of thurston county food bank headshot

Long Time Director to Leave Thurston County Food Bank

two people dressed as anime characters holding a huge fake lolipop

Chibi Chibi Con Returns to The Evergreen State College

child in mask at a school cafeteria being handed food by a lady in a mask

North Thurston Public Schools Provides Valuable Summer Support for Minds and...

Editor Picks

inside of Browsers Bookstore

A Favorite Returns: Support Small Businesses, Earn Prizes During LoveOly Shop...

Kevin and daughter, Olivia siting at kitchen table with Dirty Dave's Pizza delivery for All Kids Win

Shop, Savor, Support: Mark Your Calendars for All Kids Win Fundraiser...

Thurston County Crossword May 2022

Recent Posts

  • North Thurston Public Schools Strengthens Support for Mental Wellness Among Students
  • Long Time Director to Leave Thurston County Food Bank
  • Thurston County Commissioners Award Treatment Sales Tax Funds
  • Washington State Launches Orca Website
  • Westport Winery Wins Golds at Women’s Wine Competition
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.