Backpack program, We Care Project join forces

By Dan King

Last November the inaugural Mom Prom raised thousands of dollars for the We Care Project, which is now working with the new backpack program at Whitehall Central School to help children in need.

The We Care Project purchased 30 backpacks for the backpack program, which helps feed kids who may not have the food they need at home. The backpacks are filled with food each Thursday night and sent home with students Friday, so they have food for the weekend. The backpacks are then returned to school Monday and the process starts all over.

“I recognized the need for it in our community,” said Kim Barber, an elementary teacher who started the program at Whitehall Elementary School. “I read a lot about it last year and decided to try it.”

Whitehall’s Board of Education voted last month to pay $4,000 to purchase the food for the program this year.

Barber said she wants to grow the program past 30 backpacks and open the opportunity for businesses, organizations or individuals to “adopt a backpack.” The price to adopt a backpack would be $167 and would support a child for the entire school year.

The first backpack delivery is set for Oct. 16.

Anyone interested in donating to the program or adopting a backpack may make a check payable to the Northeastern Regional Food Bank with the memo “Whitehall backpack program” and mail it to Barber at Whitehall Elementary School.

We Care Project

In addition to donating to the backpack program, the We Care Project is donating some school supplies and clothing essentials to the school district.

Cheryl Putorti, a member of the We Care Project, said the group has purchased 20 backpacks for teachers to give to students in need. At the elementary level, it has purchased two complete sets of each teacher’s school supplies, so they may give them to students who cannot afford the basic supplies. Extra supplies will also be kept at a central location at the high school.

“The teachers really know what their students need and that’s why we put it in their hands,” Putorti said. “Teachers have to fill out a request form for the money, explaining what the student needs. This is for necessity items only.”

Putorti said that as the colder months approach, the organization will look to purchase snow pants and boots for elementary students.

The fundraiser that supports everything the We Care Project does, the Mom Prom, is scheduled for Oct. 17 from 7-11 p.m. at the Whitehall Athletic Center.

This will be the second annual “girl’s night out for charity” and tickets are $40 and on sale now at Whitehall Central School, Putorti’s Broadway Market, Lake Champlain Coal or by calling Putorti at 518-499-2812. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras and attendees are encouraged to dress for the theme.

“Hopefully the women of this community can come out again and support a great cause while having fun,” Putorti said. “We’re hoping for an even better crowd than last year.”

Donations are always accepted and checks can be made payable to the We Care Project.