Money raised from wrapping gifts to help hungry kids | Community Spirit

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Money raised from wrapping gifts this past holiday season is going to help hungry kids in southeast Missouri.

Southeast Missouri Food Bank and EarlyBirds.com teamed up to wrap the gifts for the community.

They raised $1,606 to the " BackPacks For Friday Program" in the Jackson School District.

The event held from December 1-7 was held at a space donated by by American Family Insurance agent, Janey Foust.

Community members and staff are working with Southeast Missouri Food Bank to raise funds that will feed hungry children on weekends during the school year.

According to the food bank, in Cape Girardeau County, 21.5% of children struggle with hunger that number translates to 3,470 children. At Jackson schools, 41% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches.

Southeast Missouri Food Bank is committed to provide food assistance where needed in the sixteen county area it serves and designed "Backpacks for Fridays" with children in mind.

The food bank says they partner with elementary schools and community organizations to send backpacks full of nutritious food home with the poorest students. The children and their families get the benefit of a steady supply of nutritious food during the entire school year.

EarlyBirds.com is owned and operated by Vintage Software in Jackson, Missouri.

Those interested in helping can send donations to:

Southeast Missouri Food Bank

Jackson BackPack Program

PO Box 1688

Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701

Or, you can call 573-651-0400 or email info@semofoodbank.org for more information.

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