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Effingham, IL is excited to announce that Mayor Gillenwater has signed a proclamation declaring September 18th to be Blessings In A Backpack Day.  They join communities around the United States in this celebration. On June 23rd, the United States Conference of Mayors passed a resolution at its 82nd annual meeting in Dallas, declaring September 18th, 2014, 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 17th at Total Quality Warehouse.

The Blessings in a Backpack executive board wishes to show their appreciation for the significant contributions the community has made 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. They're pleased to announce that they're beginning their second year feeding approximately 300 students. This could only be accomplished through the tremendous support of the local community. 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 student's 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.