Backpack Program Update
Since The Knights of Columbus from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice was approached by AFFB 15 years ago to get involved with the Backpack Program, Jim Palermo was the KofC Chairman. The Council handled Oak Park at the Middle School and Taylor Ranch School. Oak Park no longer exists. It has been a very meaningful 16 years knowing and seeing the good we have done for the kids and families in this area. Since Covid the involvement of the Knights has been drastically reduced. Also, as more and more donors have turned to QCD’s from their IRA’s we felt it appropriate to alert all donors and all Knights to send donations directly to AFFB, a 501c3 charity. There is no need for the knights to be the middleman since we turned over all donated backpack money to AFFB anyway. We ask that in the future you mark your donations to AFB and in the subject line that you note FOR Benefit of the Knights of Columbus.
Over the past 2 years we have been blessed with a few significant donations that have allowed us to support 100 students at Taylor Ranch School with weekend lunch bags as well as providing 75 Turkey Dinners for their families at Thanksgiving and 75 Ham Dinners for Christmas. But as with all programs the needs in our communities continue to grow and the need for more volunteers and donations along with it. Volunteering can be done in one of two ways:
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Warehouse Packing of Back Packs and Case goods. Sessions last 2-3 hours have both morning and afternoon shifts. AFB is located in Sarasota off Fruitville Road.
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Mobile Food Pantries. These are held at multiple locations and include about 6 to 8 locations around Venice. You help setup and work a drive thru distribution of a variety of food products to prequalified families. In any given shift a location will serve 100-200 families.
So How do we volunteer. It’s easy. Once you are registered (you can follow the link below) you will receive an email once a month listing available/shifts that you can sign up for. Teams normally have 12-15 volunteers and wives are highly encouraged. Volunteer opportunities include sorting and packing food, distributing at pantries, participating in our nutrition education and cooking classes, helping in our offices, lending a hand at events and more!
Volunteer Application
Be a hunger hero DONATE!
Be a hunger hero DONATE!
When you donate to All Faiths Food Bank, your gift provides meals to children, families and seniors in our community. Donate today! Your tax-deductible gift feeds children and families right here at home. Food is the first step to help families gain stability, gives students the opportunity to achieve academic success, ensures that senior citizens can afford medication, and lets our veterans know they are not forgotten. Please mail your donation to:
Victoria Hasselbring
All Faiths Food Bank
8171 Blaikie Ct. Sarasota FL 34240
Hope you find a way to either donate your time or donation or both. Questions, please contact me.
Mike Milak; Backpack Coordinator
Mmilak33@gmail.com
941-380-7248