By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff Writer
Due to a growing number of students in need, the Warren County R-III Operation Backpack program is struggling to keep its shelves full.The organization, which supplies food for students to take home over the weekends and holiday breaks, has seen a significant increase in the number of students it serves.“Last year at this time we had about 70 students receiving our services, and that is up around 90 right now,” said co-director Marilyn Carter. “We started out the school year with more than last year, and that number continues to grow. The need is definitely there.”Carter, who packs the grocery bags each Thursday morning with co-director Cheryl Portillo, says the holidays are an especially urgent time.“We try to give them extra for those extended periods they are gone from school,” said Carter. “That is especially true around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when they won’t have the option to eat school lunch for quite some time.”Operation Backpack currently serves students at all levels in each of the district’s five buildings, with the greatest number being at Rebecca Boone Elementary, where the food is stored, sorted and packed.Carter says the organizers take special precautions to make certain the program is not abused.“The first thing we do is go through and mark out the UPC labels, because there have been schools where families have tried to return the items for money,” said Carter.She says they are determined to run the program with integrity and focus on the fact the children are the ones being served.“We don’t ask questions and don’t know what the parents do, because we’re not doing this for the parents,” said Carter. “We’re doing this for the kids, because kids don’t always have a choice.”She said both food or monetary donations are welcome, but food is preferred as to avoid the shopping. Recommended items include canned vegetables, fruit cups, Ramen noodles, oatmeal or cereal, macaroni and cheese, canned pastas or chunky soups.Donations may be dropped off at the R-III central office or Rebecca Boone Elementary.Food is distributed every Friday to students, with items packed in consideration of age, ability and allergies to ensure the needs are properly met.“We love doing this so much, because when we walk down the hallways and see the kids’ eyes light up, that makes it worthwhile for us,” said Carter.For more information, Carter can be reached at 636-359-0504.Operation Backpack, which supplies food for students in need when they are not in the school setting, is in desperate need of donations for the holiday season. During that time the organization sends home additional items to accommodate the students during their extended period away from school. Pictured, from left, are co-director Cheryl Portillo, Elizabeth Portillo and co-director Marylin Carter. Derrick Forsythe photo.
