Latest news with #SnackPack
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guns and Hoses game raises $31,000 for Bright Futures Joplin
The eighth annual Guns and Hoses benefit basketball game between the Joplin Police Department and the Joplin Fire Department raised $31,000 for Bright Futures Joplin. The game is the organization's largest annual fundraiser Event proceeds go toward Bright Futures' Snack Pack program, which provides weekend food to the Joplin School District's food-insecure students, as well as various student needs such as clothing, shoes, school supplies and more. 'This year's game was extra special because we got to recognize the volunteers who make so much of what we do possible,' Bright Futures Joplin executive director Amanda Stone said in a statement. 'In our 15 years at Bright Futures, we've come to know so many selfless people who have been incredibly generous with their time. We really couldn't do all we do for our students without their help, and we are beyond grateful.' Proceeds raised will also continue to fund the Cpl. Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed Memorial Scholarships, established by Bright Futures Joplin in 2022 in honor of the Joplin police officers killed in the line of duty. The scholarships from the fund will be awarded later this year to two Joplin High School graduates majoring in criminal justice at Missouri Southern State University. The Bright Futures framework was started in Joplin in 2010, and has since been implemented in more than 70 communities nationwide. More details about the program and its initiatives are available at brightfutures The game was held May 3 at Kaminsky Gym at Joplin High School. The Joplin Police Department claimed the victory 57-56.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Longfellow Elementary Snack Pack project, food drive unites Mitchell School District
Feb. 19—MITCHELL — Longfellow Elementary School's Den B students recently spearheaded a district-wide food drive, collecting 3,584 items to benefit the Snack Pack program. The initiative, led by teacher Marissa Abts, involved elementary, middle, and high schools across the district. Initially, the project began solely with Longfellow's second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students in Den B. However, the group soon expanded its vision to include the entire school district. Each level was assigned specific food items: elementary schools gathered various snack items, middle school students donated canned goods, and high schoolers contributed larger staples such as pancake mix, peanut butter, jelly, syrup, and cereal. The collection drive spanned approximately two and a half weeks. After gathering donations, Den B students took the lead in collecting, sorting, and counting the contributions. "Longfellow kids absolutely rocked this," Abts said. "They were so excited. Being able to take my kids to pick everything up and deliver it was a full-circle moment for them. It helped them see the entire process and understand how many people they were helping." The drive is part of an ongoing tradition within Longfellow's Den B, which organizes a service project each year. Previous projects have included visiting nursing homes, supporting the local community center, holding a coin drive for pet rescue, and more. This year's effort was driven by Abts' new role as a board member for the Snack Pack program. "I knew the Snack Pack program made a big impact, but I didn't realize how much went into it until I became a board director," Abts said. "That made it the perfect focus for our project this year." The success of the drive highlights the commitment of students and teachers to community service, with Longfellow's Den B leading the way in supporting local families in need. Taylor Magnuson and Lillian Miller, both students involved in the project, shared their excitement about the outcome. "It feels good knowing that we helped a lot of people." Miller said. "I just love making people happy and helping around," Magnuson added. Both students expressed interest in continuing similar efforts in the future, even outside of school. Snack Pack Director Ali Nicholson praised the students' efforts and highlighted the significance of their contribution. "It's really cool to see kids involved and understand what the Snack Pack program is about. Not all kids realize there are others who don't have access to food whenever they want it," Nicholson said. Nicholson estimated that the collected items would provide nearly two weeks' worth of supplies, feeding approximately 720 children. "We serve about 468 kids every week during the school year, giving each child five items for the weekend. This donation will go a long way," she said. Nicholson encouraged continued support for the program. "We always accept donations —monetary, food, or even saver stamps from the county fair. Every little bit helps and makes a huge difference," she said.
