Keene sharing about the Weekend Backpack Ministry
A conversation about the Weekend Backpack Ministry between Keene Irwin and Pastor Mandy:
Keene: I attended Ginter Park Elementary School (GPES), K-6, so it has a special place in my heart. When Ginter Park Baptist Church decided we would look into beginning a weekend backpack program, GPES seemed a natural choice. It felt like a good way to connect our church family to our community. Working with the staff at GPES has given us an opportunity to see the strong commitment they have to their students.
Mandy: Is there a particular memory you might share with us from your work with this ministry?
Keene: A backpack experience that stays in my mind and heart happened on a Wednesday after we rushed to get the food-filled backpacks to Ginter Park Elementary, anticipating a snow day on Thursday and Friday. As the staff members helped load their carts with our packed bags, one quietly but clearly said “these children are so hungry”. Fifteen backpacks were helpful but there were still many children that would be hungry over the long weekend when school breakfasts and lunches weren’t available.
Mandy: Yes, the number of hungry children is troubling. Over ninety-nine percent of the 468 students enrolled at Ginter Park Elementary School are eligible for the Free & Reduced Lunch Program. Indeed, there are many hungry children. I am thankful that the number of children supported by our ministry has grown with each school year.
Keene: Hunger is a big and complex problem. I think a lot about this question – How do we feed every child who needs nourishment? What more can we do to insure that children grow and learn without food insecurity? It is a long road, but the Weekend Backpack Ministry is a step in the right direction and there is a place for everyone interested in being a part of this ministry.
Mandy: What advice would you give to anyone interested in supporting this ministry? What are the best ways for them to get involved?
Keene: We welcome helping hands to pack or buy food, donations of food and/or monetary donations. If you would like to be a part of the ministry, you may contact Pastor Mandy or me. Join us as we pack and pray for our Ginter Park Elementary children and staff.