On a Thursday afternoon I sat in my car and had the honor of interviewing one of the two founding volunteers, these include Anne Mitchell and Jennie Pauling of Bags of Hope Lake Norman. Jeannie was kind enough to share with me the greatest need of this Saturday but before that, I really needed to know what Bags of Hope is. Have you ever wondered what those children that can't afford lunch and breakfast eat on the weekend? These ladies and many volunteers have. They started a program that discreetly reaches out to counselors and teachers at 11 local schools in the Lake Norman area and sees what kids need help. They then send on Friday a backpack with each child that will get them through the weekend. Think poptarts, fruit cups, juice box, milk box, non perishable foods. On Monday they turn in the backpack. They currently reach 280 children but when I asked if the need is greater, she answered the need is always greater but we also always need more donations and volunteers. This is completly volunteer run. It is a great opportunity for people to help.
What they really need need help for is this Saturday. Think of these children over Holiday break. What will they eat? What will they do? Bags for Hope is in great need of non perishable food. Think of things your kds eat and drink. Think of the things they are going run through quickly. Milk in individual cartons on the shelves withe straws (currently has the Incredibles on them), pop tarts, oatmeal, squeeze apple sauce, bags of chips, things your kids are into. Also they are asking for books. It does not have to be brand new. Maybe your child read it one time and is done. These books will give the children something to do. You drop the items off any time by Saturday at 11:59pm. They are located behind Fungo in a warehouse at 18535 Old Statesville Rd. Cornelius. If they are not there they have a bin for you to put things in.
Website: http://bagsofhopelkn.com/
