Warwick Town Board names August as 'Backpack Snack Attack Back to School' Month
WARWICK. Non-profit organization provides nutritional snacks to approximately 300 needy school children.
The Warwick Town Board has again officially proclaimed the month of August "Backpack Snack Attack Back to School Month."
Backpack Snack Attack is a non-profit organization that provides nutritional snacks to approximately 300 needy school children throughout the Town of Warwick each week of the school year.
Each child costs approximately $5 per week so the weekly cost is about $1,400.
The program is run entirely by a group of volunteers and supported by donations and fund raising. This is the seventh consecutive year for this event, which in the last six years has raised approximately $80,000.
"That was thanks to the great community support we receive," said Backpack Snack Attack volunteer Len Singer. "The last two summers we raised over $15,000 each time And this year we expect to have about 60 to 70 businesses involved from Warwick, Pine Island, Greenwood Lake and Florida."
How the money is raised
The funds are raised through customer donations in coin canisters in delis, banks and other stores with counters and envelopes in restaurants.
Larry's Deli, for example, has always been a big supporter and Leo Kaytes Ford, will again partner with Warwick ShopRite to a fill the van program for the whole month .A Ford van will be parked in front of ShopRite and customers will be encouraged to help fill it with Backpack food items.
In addition, individuals, organizations and businesses like Warwick Grove Softball and Eye Physicians of Orange County have already made direct contributions.
All funds raised go directly to the purchase of food for the children to take home on weekends and school supplies before school reopens as there are no overhead costs.
"We look forward to another successful month of community support," said Backpack Snack Attack President Shirley Puett. "And we are especially grateful to all those businesses who have helped make this event a success every year."
Essentials
Anyone interested in getting involved in Back to School Month can contact Singer at lenscott57@gmail.com or Puett at backpacksnackattack@yahoo.com.
- Roger Gavan