Montana Backpack Program See’s Increase in Need for Local Students
By Jim Dasios
Launched during the 2014-K school year. The Montana Backpack Program continues to fill a need in the Troy Community.
The program provides food for Morrison Elementary students to take home with them for the weekend. Students and siblings who may need some extra help.
Each Wednesday a group of volunteers get together and begin preparations. Food items consist of easy to make meals, snacks, fresh fruit and string cheese ready to be taken home on Friday.
The Montana Backpack Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to making sure students have enough to eat.
The Board of Directors include program director and president Angie Huisentruit , Gale Gill and Cindy Johnson also serve on the board.
Each food box is currently valued at between $4.25 – $4.75 worth of products. Average costs per year to run the program have ranged from $7,500 – $9,500.
“This year we set a record.” Said program director Huisentruit. “With 2,079 packages sent out.”
Funding for the program comes from various sources. The Town Pump Foundation is a major contribute to the program. Clearwater Montana Properties and the United Methodist Church of Troy continue to donate. Business and private donation also account for funding.
Huisentruit added, “I’d really like to thank Steins Market, they’ve been with the program from the start. Every week they provide the program with fresh fruit and string cheese for the kids. I know the kids really like that.”
With a growing number of meals being sent home, more volunteers would be appreciated.
“If you have some extra time to give, come on down. We could use you.” Said Huisentruit in closing.
Donations can be made to Morrison Backpacks and mailed to P.O. BOX 82, Troy, Mont. 59935.
Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild
Display at The Heritage Museum
Submitted by The Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum is hosting a display of the Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild’s gorgeous quilts in the Tower Gallery through June 30.
Some quilts are offered for sale with a portion of the price going to the museum. Other exhibits, such as art and photos, will be in the gallery through the remainder of the season.
Central High School Students
Donate New Sign to the
Libby Food Pantry
The Libby Central School students along with staff donated a new sign to the Libby Food Pantry for their new location.
Photo by McKenzie Williams. The Montanian.