Blessings in a Backpack Reaches Milestone

The Effingham Blessings in a Backpack organization reached a milestone Wednesday as the 20,000th bag since the effort began was packed.

Wednesday's packing featured a number of business and civic leaders including Mayor Jeff Bloemker in an effort to heighten awareness of the organization. Blessings in a Backpack was started in Effingham to make weekend meals available to students since they won't be in school to eat.

Our Wayne Moran talked at the event with three "packers"...Andy Glosser, who is a teacher at Central Grade School and a Blessings board member, Brittany Palmer, a Blessings board member who works at Stevens Industries, and Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker.

The group of volunteer baggers packed 800 bags in 40 minutes. The number of local students being assisted has topped the 400 mark.

The organization also launched its brand-new website, effinghambackpack.org