Johnstown, PA (Oct. 10, 2014) – More than 6,000 kids do not get enough to eat in Cambria County. According to the most recent PA Youth Survey, one in 10 children in grades 6-12 countywide worries that his/her family will run out of food before pay day.The Johnstown Backpack Project is working to reduce those numbers by sending home six meals every weekend throughout the school year with over 300 children living in the region. The Project’s first-ever “Baskets for Backpacks” basket party, scheduled for Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Richland Fire Hall, will help keep the project running.
“It’s a costly endeavor feeding hundreds of kids every weekend,” said Emily Wentworth, the project’s coordinator. “We need fundraising events like Baskets for Backpacks to help offset the large price of food.”
Over 100 baskets, door prizes and more will be raffled off during the event. Tickets are $10 and include the cost of admission, 25 chances and lunch. Attendees can purchase 25 extra chances for $5 apiece. Donations of baskets are welcome and will be accepted until Oct. 24. To purchase tickets or drop off basket donations, visit the following locations:
EcoKids Consignment Boutique (2025 Bedford St., Johnstown, PA 15904)
Beginnings, Inc. (111 Market St., Johnstown, PA 15901)
Lee Initiatives, Inc. (132 Walnut St., Johnstown, PA 15901)
HealthCare First Credit Union (321 Main St., Johnstown, PA 15901)
East Side Elementary (220 Messenger St., Johnstown, PA 15902)
“It’s going to be a fun event with tons of chances to win all kinds of great prizes, such as holiday décor, kitchen appliances, gourmet food, accessories and more,” added Wentworth. “And everyone who attends can know that all of the money raised will go toward feeding local kids in need.”
The project is still seeking volunteers for the basket party and to help pack bags during the school year. Please call Emily Wentworth at 814-262-0732 if interested. For more information on the Johnstown Backpack Project, visit the Project’s Facebook page at facebook.com/johnstownbackpackproject.
The Johnstown Backpack Project is a collaborative effort of ACRP, Beginnings, Inc., Cambria City Mission,Christ Centered Community Church, Lee Initiatives, Inc., The Learning Lamp, Mom’s House and Trojan Learning Centers of the Greater Johnstown School District.
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