The 2012-13 school year will be starting shortly for the public school system. Backpack Buddies of Hilton Head, a program of the Hunger and Homeless Coalition and a partner with the Lowcountry Food Bank, will be providing weekend breakfasts, lunches and snacks in a weekly backpack for 180 elementary schoolchildren this year.

These children are nutritionally undeserved and receive subsidized or free breakfast and lunch during the school day.

Thanks to the generous support of community organizations and religious congregations, we are supporting 60 more children this year than last year. In addition, during the summer we are providing through the coalition supplemental family food boxes to 50 children and their families who attend the Neighborhood Outreach Coalition's summer school program.

On behalf of our children, Backpack Buddies is grateful to: All Saints Episcopal Church Garden Tour, Kiwanis Club, St. Francis Thrift Store, Sunset Rotary Club, Indigo Run Dining Club Happy Cookers, Ward Family Foundation, the Women's Association of Hilton Head, Tropical Styles, the Sertoma Club and the LC Retired Teachers of Pa.

The following religious congregations provide volunteers, space and financial support: Congregation Beth Yam, Christ Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church, and St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church.

The residents of Hilton Head should be proud of reaching out to local children in need.

Janet Weingarten, chairwoman

Backpack Buddies

Hilton Head Island