NEWPORT — The Newport Food Pantry has released figures for their just-completed School Back Pack Program. Director Jim Demers proclaimed, “Our school weekend food program packaged and delivered 1,842 packs this year!” “Again,” Demers said, “our numbers continue to demonstrate the need for this program”. Every Thursday the pantry drivers deliver to Lempster School, Newport Middle High School and Richards School for students living with food insecurity during the weekends.
The success of this program is due in large part by the supervisor of this endeavor: Lauri McCrillis. This year she was ably assisted by two new team members in the packing process: Gail Freer and Darlene Wachter. Once again, drivers Dianne Rochford and Nancy Topolewski contributed countless hours driving to deliver these packs of nourishment to schools.
After a summer of fundraising, the program should begin in late September for another academic year. Meanwhile the parents and/or guardians of those children receiving packs throughout the year may stop by the Newport Food Pantry at 95 South Main Street and pick up abbreviated packs until September. Those people wishing to donate to the program may send donations to PO Box 672 in Newport. For more information call 603-863-3411.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.