While some folks are making lists of gifts they’d like to receive this holiday season, I am proud to say that the employees of the Department of Administration are focusing their attention on helping people they may never meet: schoolchildren who receive BackPack Buddies provisions from the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, a nonprofit agency that that provides nutritious weekend meals.
Administration COO Anne Bander and I asked our employees to support this worthy program during the holiday season, and donations of canned goods, milk and juice boxes and other shelf-stable foods are being collected in designated barrels located in the Secretary’s Office as well as the rear entrance of the Administration Building. We invite other colleagues who work here, and those who visit, to join us by donating appropriate food items by December 15.
Countless studies show that children who regularly consume a nutritionally-balanced diet are healthier and more successful in school. These weekend meals, which come with kid-friendly snacks, benefit at-risk youth and lessen stress on the family budget caused by the economic downturn.
Please join us in this effort, or lend your support to another group that seeks to serve the less fortunate in our community. There is no greater gift this time of year than knowing you have done your share to help those who need it most.