Blair Co., PA (WJAC) — In October, the board of the Mountain Lion Backpack Program in Altoona issued a plea to the community for donations to help keep the effort going.
The program, which sends food home with over 1,100 children in need during the school year, is facing the same kind of economic hardships that we are all facing: inflation.
In an update, the program manager provided some positive news about the community’s response.
They've even had the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation provide them with a $5,000 grant to support the effort.
She says that she’s been amazed at how caring the community has been towards helping those who are the most vulnerable.
“They could have chosen any charity to help, but who doesn’t want to help a kid get fed food. So, we couldn’t be happier with their effort to help us in our fight against childhood hunger,” says program director Billie Egan.
“It’s important to keep them healthy and to make sure that they have what they need to grow. And so, I’m really glad that people are willing to not only come here and pack, but to make donations and provide for this program that is supported by the community,” said volunteer Jen Burgmeier.
In addition to the Penguins Foundation, Save-a-Lot is also stepping up with a campaign where people can purchase a meal bag for $5.99 to help the families of the children they serve have a nice Christmas meal.
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