The kids are back in school and basking in the joy of connecting in real-life and real-time with their classmates and teachers. We couldn’t be happier for them! Like you all, we remain hopeful that COVID cases remain down and we can continue with in-person schooling and events. Simply said, there is no joy in school without a healthy and safe environment.
From our research with school officials, we at Weekend Survival Kits expect the number of kids we serve to bounce back to the pre-pandemic numbers in the high 4000s (and maybe more). Volunteers should know that we are proud to be working with 2/42 Church Community Center in Okemos (2630 Bennett Rd., Okemos, Mi 48864). They have been incredibly generous with their facility, allowing us to stage and prep the food kits for delivery. While the space is large and can accommodate more volunteers safely, we are starting with a plan for 25 individual volunteers per session and may adjust accordingly. Please be sure to use our sign-up link to claim your spot(s). If you are interested in being a volunteer delivery driver, we have a few openings available! Delivery drivers volunteer about 1-2 hours of their time on Thursday mornings between 9am and Noon to pick up kits from the 2|42 location in Okemos and deliver them directly to their assigned school. It is a very rewarding position! Please contact Kyla@weekendsurvivalkits.com if you are interested!
Again, this school year, the Greater Lansing Food Bank is packing the kits for us, which allows us to focus on preparation and distribution. If you wish to directly pack the food kits, please check out the GLFB webpage for volunteer opportunities and details on how to find the new GLFB facility.
There is strong interest in adding more school districts in mid-Michigan to our service plan. If you know of school contacts within the mid-Michigan area, please do not hesitate to share their name and contact information with our Director of Mid-Michigan Operations, Kyla Parkllan. Her email is kyla@weekendsurvivalkits.org
As always, thank you for your assistance in supporting the needs of hungry school kids! Remember, feeding hungry school kids helps them to focus and learn. Giving Hope to Hungry Kids is our mission, working with wonderful people like you …our deepest pleasure.