Midland States Bank Donates Food, Funds to Blessing in a Backpack

Midland States Bank downtown Effingham branch recently donated food and funds to the local chapter of Blessings in a Backpack.  

Stephanie Sams, Banking Center Manager, commented, “Blessings in a Backpack is such a great organization and staff at the Effingham locations feel honored to be able to raise money as well as collect can goods for them.”

Amanda Emmerich, Marketing Director of the Effingham chapter of Blessings in a Backpack said, “Support from business partnerships and community groups is vital to the continued success of our program.” Continuing, “Midland States Bank’s generosity highlights the tremendous spirit of giving in our community. Our program is important, and community members are invested in the children we serve. We’ve heard numerous stories from teachers, school counselors, bus drivers, families and students themselves about the positive impact of the program. When a child is fed, and surrounded by a caring community, we truly believe they’ll change the world.”   

Blessings in a Backpack-Effingham IL provides food for 500 children from pre-k through eighth grade, over weekends during the school year. Their summer program feeds children in conjunction with the Unit 40 Mentoring lunch program at West Side School. Community support has enabled the group to grow significantly during its three years in service to Effingham area students.      

Blessings in a Backpack is a 501(c)3 organization. For more information, visit their Facebook page, at Blessings in a Backpack- Effingham IL, or www.effinghambackpack.org.