Janesville School District gears up for Bags of Hope

bags-of-hope

(Gazette photo) This year marks the 9th annual “Delivering Bags of Hope” food drive event held by the School District of Janesville (SDJ). This community food drive was originally founded and conducted by the United Auto Workers Local 95 and continued until General Motors closed its Janesville plant. In 2008, the district took up this cause in order to continue supporting local families in need.

“Everyone one of us can say that at some point in our lives, someone, somewhere, provided a bit of help that kept moving us forward,” said Steve Pophal, Superintendent. “In the School District of Janesville, we recognize and appreciate the support our schools receive from the community, and it makes sense to return that kindness and provide needed food and resources to families over the holidays.”

 

Thanks to community donations and business partners, this annual event has provided groceries during the holiday season for hundreds of families each year. Last year’s efforts raised more than $38,000 and fed 350 families and 50 seniors in the Janesville community. Local businesses donate space, services, materials and funds to support the overall effort. Platinum Corporate Sponsors include Dollar General, Seneca Foods, the City of Janesville and Festival Foods. Other sponsors include Rock Around the Block, LLC., Tim and Barb Cullen, Kwik Trip, Fagan Automotive, Bandt Communications, LP Tree Service, Bjoin Limestone, Morse Electric Group, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Alliant Energy, Rhyme Business, SSM Health/St. Mary’s Janesville, and Lamar Advertising.

Donations are welcome and may be made payable to the “School District of Janesville” care of Bags of Hope. The public can also volunteer to bag groceries or become a driver to assist with deliveries of the groceries around town on the day of the big event, Saturday, December 16. To volunteer, call Denise Jensen, Secretary to the Superintendent with the School District of Janesville by December 8, 2017 at 608-743-5055.