Buddy Backpacks
Pastor Joanie On Wednesday, March 14th, our children will be sorting and packing bags for Buddy Backpacks of Harnett County. Below is information about the efforts of Buddy Backpacks and what schools they serve in Harnett County. This information is taken directly from the website: Buddy Backpacks for Harnett County.
About Buddy Backpacks Program For Harnett County, Inc.
Purpose
The program is designed to provide nutritious food to school children who have little or nothing to eat over the weekend. The program recognizes that study is not the primary concern of a hungry child.
The students being served
As of 2015 in Harnett County there are a total of 18 schools in Harnett County attended by students in grades from Kindergarden to fifth grade. The Angier Area Chapter is serving four of these 18 schools: North Harnett Primary; Angier Elementary; Buies Creek Elementary and Lafayette Elementary. The Dunn-Erwin Chapter is serving two of these 18 schools: Wayne Avenue Elementary; and Harnett Primary. The Western Harnett Chapter is serving eight of these 18 schools: Anderson Creek Primary; South Harnett Elementary; Benhaven Elementary; Highland Elementary; Boone Trail Elementary; Johnsonville Elementary; Overhills Elementary; and Lillington-Shawtown Elementary. A total of two middle schools (grades 6-8) are being served by the Dunn-Erwin Chapter: Coats-Erwin Middle and Dunn Middle.
Parent and Teacher Involvement
Children are identified with input from teachers, teacher assistants, social workers, school nurses, and guidance counselors as candidates for the program. Once the identification process is completed letters are sent home to obtain permission from the parent/guardians for the child to participate and for the parent/guardians to list food related allergies. Backpacks are then issued to the student free of logos to maintain the dignity and anonymity of the participants.
Goal
Over 800 students have been identified and are currently being served. The goal is to continue identifying students who have a need for a nutritious meal and to raise the funds necessary to purchase these items or acquire them by gifts from food outlets and other donors.
Here are some suggested items we are collecting: Every item should be individually wrapped
- Juice Boxes
- Bottles of Water
- Fruit snacks
- Boxes of cereal
- Canned meat
- Canned soup
- Crackers
- Individual snacks
- Noodles
- Microwavable meals (i.e.: Spaghetti o’s; chicken and dumplings, etc.)
This Week at Hood
Wednesday, March 7th, 3:30 pm–Prayer & Inspiration
Wednesday, March 7th, 6:00 pm– Choir
Wednesday, March 7th, 6:00 pm– “young-ish” Small group
Thursday, March 8th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, March 11th, 11:00 am – Worship; Noon– Church Board meeting
**Upcoming Events
**Help bring life to our sanctuary for Easter with Easter lilies. The cost of each lily is $7.00. Please email or contact the church office if you would like to place a 
lily in honor or memory of someone.
Tuesday, March 13th–serve at the DUMA food pantry; Time TBA
Wednesday, March 14th–Love Wins: Kids Mission Projects; Backpack Buddies
Saturday, March 24th–Rise Against Hunger; childcare or packing food bags
Sunday, March 25th–Fellowship Lunch/Fundraiser: Baked Potato Bar