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When it became apparent schools were not going to resume quickly, local organizations decided to help students who may not have enough to eat.
“It came to our attention that GoPacks was in need of funding once they started shutting the schools down,” said Shawn Taylor, president of the Marietta Noon Rotary Club. “They needed help feeding the kids lunch. Then we heard about Ely Chapman and the Boys and Girls Club.”
He said it was made into a group project because hunger is an important issue in the community and the Rotary club didn’t want to see children going without. Marietta Community Foundation Executive Director Heather Allender is a member of the Noon Rotary and said if funds were raised, the foundation could match it, Taylor said.
“The Noon Rotary gave $1,000 from our grant application process (to each organization), which we do quarterly,” Taylor explained. “The Noon Club’s local foundation gave $1,000. There was $1,000 each from the Marietta Morning Rotary and Marietta Community Foundation matched the $1,000 from the grant process.”
In all, the three organizations received $4,000 each, which will cover the cost of meals and snacks for Washington County children
Mason Beuhring, communications and program services director for the Marietta Community Foundation, said they did a study and found three demographics would be most impacted by the lockdown: the elderly, those using the food pantries and the children who would no longer receive a school lunch. The matching funds would help the third demographic.
“It’s just a great way to make sure our dollars are spread so they have the greatest impact possible,” he said.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.
At a glance:
• GoPacks, the Boys and Girls Club, and Ely Chapman were each given $4,000.
• The money is to help feed local children while school is suspended.
• Funding came through local Rotary clubs and the Marietta Community Foundation.
Source: Marietta Noon Rotary and the Marietta Community Foundation.