September 18 is Blessings in a Backpack Day in Effngham

(THOSE PRESENT FOR THE SIGNING OF THE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK DAY PROCLAMATION, LEFT TO RIGHT, ARE KENDA SCHUETTE, JILL BECK, DEB DORRIS, JAMIE WALDHOFF, KELSEY WEBER, KENDRA FRANKLIN, TIFFANY TONEY AND, SEATED, MAYOR GILLENWATER. BOARD MEMBERS NOT PICTURED ARE KACIE VOLPI, NANCY MARSCHEWSKI AND AMANDA EMMERICH)

Blessings in a Backpack Effingham has announced that Effingham Mayor Merv Gillenwater has signed a proclamation declaring September 18 to be Blessings in a Backpack Day in Effingham. Effingham joins communities across the United States in this celebration.

On June 23, the US Conference of Mayors passed a resolution at its 82nd Annual Meeting in Dallas, declaring September 18 Blessings in a Backpack Day. Mayors across the country are joining forces with teams from local Blessings in a Backpack programs to pack bags full of food for children in their communities.

Mayor Gillenwater, school principals and counselors, media representatives, community and business leaders have been invited to a special packing session and celebration on Wednesday, September 17 at 5:30pm at Total Quality Warehouse in the City Business Park.

The Blessings in a Backpack Executive Board wants to show its appreciation to the community for its contributions to children in need. The group began in the 2013-14 school year with 130 students, and ended the year with more than 200 students served. The new school year has seen the organization feeding approximately 300 students. 

Total Quality Warehouse lends space for packing and volunteers meet twice per month to pack food bags. Local businesses volunteer time to deliver the bags to the schools. Teachers add the bags to students' backpacks during a recess or planning period.

For more information about the event or the organization, email effinghambackpack@yahoo.com or view the "Blessings in a Backpack-Effingham IL" page on Facebook.