This Sunday, the Noisy Offering will help support the BackPack Program at First Lutheran. For eight years at First Lutheran, this program has quietly provided vital weekend meals to families at Pyrtle and Morley elementary schools, ensuring that no child goes without food when they’re away from the cafeteria.
This year, the need is greater than ever. At Pyrtle, we’ve been asked to support 12 students – similar to last year – but Morley’s request has surged to 20-25 students, up from 16. Together, that’s more than our current capacity to fund 26 backpacks. The need is urgent and every coin rattling in the silver pot will make a difference.
Each week, a backpack costs $8.08 to fill, covering 34 weeks at just over $275 annually. Inside each bag are carefully curated items like cereal, peanut butter, pancake mix, soups, proteins and more. Six rotating menus ensure variety, and extras such as fresh fruit, milk vouchers and a holiday grocery voucher bring a bit of added comfort during the school year. The backpacks are discretely delivered to classroom doors, protecting the dignity and privacy of every recipient.
The heart of this ministry isn’t just the meals but the people who make it happen. At Pyrtle, we’re grateful for a dedicated team of 10 First Lutheran volunteers to deliver backpacks weekly, while Morley staff handle delivery themselves. Volunteers are always welcome to join this effort, though it’s important to note there’s a vetting process through LPS and the Food Bank. Contact Cindy Lilleoien if you are interested in helping with this important ministry.
This Sunday is an opportunity for our congregation to come together once again to meet these growing needs. The clink of your spare change or the quiet drop of your dollar bills or checks will transform into meals for a child and a gesture of hope for their family. Together, we can ensure that each student has not just the food they need but the comfort of knowing their community cares.
