Blessings in a Backpack: Another example of how Hawks SOAR

Aiswarya Baiju and Jaynika Patel, Staff Writers

Hawks go out of their way again to help others in need. We SOARed again! Many people don’t know about this new initiative that takes place in our school since the beginning of this school year. This organization is called Blessings in a Backpack.

The name explicitly suggests the meaning of the organization; it provides blessings in the form of food for students in need. Some of the donations made to the Hu-Hu-Huge Food drive have been donated to support the Blessings in a Backpack Program. Here is some information about Blessings in a Backpack from Debbie Miller and Angela Rallidis, special education department.

1) What is Blessings in a Backpack?

Blessings in a Backpack is a nonprofit organization that provides food to students in need, for every weekend during the school year.

2) What influenced you to sponsor this or start this event?

We heard about it happening at another school in Carpentersville, IL. As teachers, we saw a need here, especially during block 1 and on Monday mornings. Three years ago we brought the idea to Principal Britton, and he was in full support. With his support and efforts, were immediately able to implement the program.

3) Are there any other teachers or students that help you with this?

Mr.Britton, Jeff Davis, Bina Rubinson, Jen Carlson, and Andres Acosta. And then clubs and activities have started volunteering their time after school, weekly, to pack the bags. A parent, also, picks up fresh food weekly and delivers it here, as well as Whole Foods who donates fresh produce weekly for us. H.E.L.P (Hoffman Estates Loyal Parents) and Rotary have been very instrumental in the program’s success.

4) How do you think this will help our society?

It is another resource for our students in need.

5) Do you plan to do this more often as in next year too?

Yes

6) How do you think this event will impact students in this school?

It will impact them in a positive way. Students who are hungry can’t learn. We need to provide a basic need, before learning can happen.

7) How do you think you can raise more awareness about this event because many students don’t know about this?

There is a Twitter account and word of mouth. Also, any students who feels that this would be something their family needs can contact their counselor.