Backpack Program

There's a special program for kids that needs your help.   During the school year, the Lincoln Food Bank fills backpacks with food for needy kids.   The kids take the backpacks home so they have food to eat on the weekends.   

The Lincoln Food Bank told Channel 8 Eyewitness News that in some cases, the backpack feeds an entire family.    More than 4500 students are part of the free lunch program and the Lincoln Food Bank sent 500 backpacks home with children last school year.   The food bank wants to increase that number to 700 backpacks during the next school year.  

As part of our “Call To Action Series”  we are asking you to help the Lincoln Food Bank with cash and food donations.    You can drop off non-perishable food items or send checks to the Lincoln Food Bank.   It costs about $150 a year to fill one child's backpack with food.

The Food Bank's address is 4840 Doris Blair Circle, Lincoln, NE, 68504.   Doris Bair Circle is just north of 48th and Superior.   If you have any questions, you can call the Lincoln Food Bank at 466-8170.  Their website is www.lincolnfoodbank.org

There are a couple of events coming up to raise money for the backpack program. The University Sertoma Club will have a golf scramble on August 18th, at the Thornridge Golf Course in Milford, Nebraska.  Entry fee is $65 per person. Registration deadline is Friday, August 10th.  You can contact the Food Bank for more information. 

Also, Waverly Raceway will have a special racing event on August 12th at 6:30. People are encouraged to bring food and school supplies. Tickets are $5 and kids get in for free.  Children who belong to the backpack program can also bring their families for free.  For more information, call Chris Heater at 450-1065.