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Fundraiser helps Howland kids have weekend meals

HOWLAND — Each week, volunteers gather at Howland United Methodist Church to package food into backpacks for children in kindergarten to fifth grade so they will have something to eat for the weekend.

To help support that program, hundreds turned out recently for a fundraiser event held at Leo’s Ristorante.

Lannie Mease, backpack program coordinator, said this was the third year for the fundraiser, which raised $20,000. This year’s event had more than 350 people enjoying meals, bidding on basket items and taking part in 50-50.

Mease said currently more than 200 children receive food assistance each weekend and costs $35,000 per year to run.

“The program was started three years ago because of the need which continues to grow. Many families are facing hardships in this current economy,” she said, noting many students are on free and reduced lunches.

Mease said the dedicated volunteers help including during winter with cold weather and school closings.

People can adopt a child for $150 and feed him or her for an entire school year.

Also at the event was Gina Camelli, who started the Paw Pantry at Howland High School with clothing, food, school supplies, and health and hygiene items for any student in the school district.

“While the backpack program helps children on the weekend, we have the pantry for any day of the week when there is a need. A community member can go to the district website and sign up where a form is available for anyone wanting to make a referral.”

Camelli said the items can be given to people anonymously.

Items can be dropped off at the high school main office.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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