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Thank you to supporters of summer backpack program
To the Editor:
Thank you for providing this forum to express appreciation.
The Summer Backpack Program of the Juniata County Food Pantry concluded its 12th year on Aug. 24, 2024. Having registered 191 students throughout the summer months, we provided 7,940 lunches to children who completed kindergarten through 8th grade in the Juniata County School District and had received free or reduced lunches during the past year. Our average participation was 132 students/month. During August, our students received backpacks and school supplies in addition to their lunches.
As food insecurity remains a significant concern, our mission is to meet the needs of as many students and their families as possible. The Juniata County Food Pantry is here to serve.
The success of our Summer Backpack Program is due to the generosity of this community and the foresight of our Board of Directors. For the first time in 12 years, we received no funding for our program. Our ability to provide food and school supplies is proportional to the compassion of local citizens, churches, organizations, and businesses. We refer to these partners as "Pantry Angels." As Mother Teresa famously said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." That mindset allows the food pantry to meet the needs of many.
My appreciation is extended to the following who provided essential financial support and/or donations of food and/or school supplies throughout the summer:
Deb Yingling, Sandy Miller, Michael & Nancy Rolain, Carol Love, Brenda Clark, Karen Barnes, Marge & Tom Noerr, Deanna Cisney, Janet & Mervin Zendt, David & Jane Shearer, Janice Darrow, Judy Buckley, Linda Seigler, Mary Grimm, Barb Geedey, Amy Zeigler, Sue & Bob Lukens, Matamoras United Methodist Church, East Salem Community Church, S.H.A.R.E. Committee of Pine Grove & McAlisterville United Methodist Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, Lost Creek Mennonite Church, United Church of God, St. John's United Methodist Church, Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church, Port Royal United Methodist Church, McAlisterville United Methodist Church, Port Royal Community Vacation Bible School, Port Royal Lutheran Church, Mexico Full Gospel Mission, Browns Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Thompsontown Methodist Church, Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, Spruce Hill Swine Club, T&T Logging (Tracy & Diane Nipple), Sharp Shopper of Belleville, and many anonymous donors.
Additionally, these volunteers donated their time to the operation of the program: Shirley Symmerman, Barb Geedey, Deb Goshorn, and Linda Clark. Thank you for your unselfish commitment of time and devotion to service! A special thank you goes to Sue Lukens who is my partner in "all things backpack." Her love of children, her attention to detail, and her work ethic make her a delight in collaboration!
Thank you to the staff and many regular volunteers of the food pantry for your willingness to accommodate an additional layer to the pantry's busy schedule! Your efforts made our mission more manageable for our clients and students.
My final thank you is to Glenda Fultz, our executive director of the Juniata County Food Pantry, who inspires all of us with her joy of service.
1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use whatever gift we have received to serve others. Should your gift inspire you to join us at the Juniata County Food Pantry, you would be welcome!
Thank you, Juniata County!
Sincerely,
Patricia E. Brown
Summer Backpack Program Coordinator
Juniata County
Food Pantry