BoCo Backpack program receives ICF grants
The Idaho Community Foundation blessed the children of Boundary County twice this month when they awarded two separate grants totaling $,4,000 to the BoCo Backpack weekend supplemental food program.
The first grant of $1.500 was awarded by the Children’s Charities of Idaho as part of the Idaho Community Foundation funded through the Idaho Community Foundation Youth Trust Fund as part of the ICF annual funding cycle.
In addition, BoCo Backpacks were invited to compete in an “On the Spot” grant competition at the Idaho Community Foundation annual North Idaho luncheon at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on June 19.
The focus of the program was children’s health. Four North Idaho non-profits were each allowed four minutes to present the needs and benefits of their programs for an opportunity to win $2,500.
The audience of 250 people, by ballot, selected the BoCo Backpack video presentation narrated by JoJo Baker. Each of the other groups was awarded $500 by an anonymous donor, so none of the organizations went home empty handed.
The funds will give a great boost to the Boundary County weekend supplemental food program for school age children. This past year 30 children at Naples benefited from the program.
Beginning in the fall of 2012 the organization hopes to provide for another thirty students at Mt. Hall.
A long-term goal is to also include Valley View students.
Boundary County four-day school week leaves three days when students who qualify for free and reduced meal programs may have little or no food.
The weekend food kits, purchased from Second Harvest, include nutritionally balanced individual servings. The cost per student is $6.11 per week, approximately $225 per school year.
A total of $13,500 is needed to provide for 60 students.
BoCo Backpacks is a community wide volunteer organization, sponsored by the Trinity Lutheran Church.
In addition to foundation grants, generous donations from Rotary, Beta Sigma Phi, Tattered Hats, several church women’s groups, and many individuals are proving once again that the community cares for its children.
Volunteers are needed to coordinate the Mt Hall distribution.
Send donations to BoCo Backpacks c/o Trinity Lutheran Church 6784 Cody Bonners Ferry. Info or to volunteer contact Shirley Anderson or Merle Dinning.