Fundraiser to help feed Coal City’s kids

It’s mission is, “to help children in need begin each school week with a full heart and nourished body so they can grow in mind, body and spirit,” and that’s just what Coal City’s Backpack Program has been doing for nearly a decade.

Program organizers, with support from donors and volunteers, have been able to provide supplemental sustenance to students in the Unit 1 School District.

The Backpack Program sends two bags of individual serving size food items home each week with students identified for assistance by district staff. The number of students receiving assistance has, at times, exceeded 175.

The organization spends between $1,500 and $1,700 a month on food. The funds coming from donations received from the community, as well as fundraisers like the one currently underway.

To help support the program in the coming school year, organizers Cherie Sieger, Sara Smith and Brenda Kreiger have put together a raffle with a variety of prizes including a power recliner, a designer purse, and of course food.

Up for raffle is a Southern Motion Power Recliner donated by Rolando’s Furniture in Coal City. Valued at $964, tickets for the chair are being offered at $10 each or three for $25.

Golfers will be interested in securing a ticket for a chance to win a golf outing, valued at $150, donated by the Dwight Country Club. There is also a Michael Kors crossbody purse, valued at $250, up for raffle. Chances for the purse and golf outing are $5 each or four tickets for $25.

All of the prizes come with gift certificates donated by Casey’s General Store for the winner to enjoy pizza and donuts.

Tickets can be obtained by e-mailing coalcitybackpack@gmail.com, through PayPal or in person at the Coal City Backpack booth during the upcoming Carbon Hill Homecoming.

Winners will be drawn during the Homecoming celebration on Saturday, June 26.

The Coal City Backpack program is a registered 501 [c] 3 non-profit organization.

The organization is always grateful for the support of the community throughout the year and those looking to help with a monetary donation can do so by sending their tax deductible gift to the Coal City Backpack Program, 7855 E. Arrowleaf Trail, Coal City or through a direct donation at Midland State Bank.

Product donations are also welcome and can be left in the donation box located at the Coal City Public Library, 85 N. Garfield St.