The BackPack Program is heading into its second year in the Gorham Schools. Last year, the program was able to serve 40-50 students per week and the number is expected to grow this year. The program is kicking off the 2018-2019 fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $20,000-$25,000.

The way the program works is that students in grades K-8 receive a packed bag every Friday that is put in their backpack to be taken home for the weekend. A weekly bag for younger students may include items such as pasta, applesauce, chicken noodle soup, granola bars, and more. Each bag weighs about 10 pounds. High school students are encouraged to advocate for themselves; there is a closet in the school that can be accessed by any student at any time.

Donations of any size can help sponsor a child for the year ($225 per child, per year). Checks are written out to the Gorham School Department (with BackPack Program in the memo line) and can be mailed to Hollis Cobb, Finance Officer, 75 South Street Gorham, ME 04038.

Considering a few factors when purchasing and packing bags, items that are ideal to be donated, given weight and space limitations, is food that is easy for students K-12 to prepare and also meet nutritional guidelines.

The program would greatly appreciate any of the following donations to be dropped off at GMS: applesauce cups; mixed fruit cups; elbow macaroni or spaghetti (1 lb.); Chef Boyardee with the removable lid (.88 at Hannaford or in bulk at Sam’s); granola bars; microwaveable macaroni and cheese (single-serve in cups); Fruitables juice boxes; chicken noodle soup with removable lid; tuna fish (packed in water); and oatmeal packets.

Last year, the program started a snack program but this year it will be fully implemented across all schools. Participating students will receive a snack every day they are at school, in addition to the food that is sent home in their backpack for over the weekend.

Also new this year is an area on the Free and Reduced Lunch form that is sent home for parents to sign-up for the BackPack Program. And Gorham families and “The Inn at Village Square” have donated school supplies for back-to-school. These will be given to participating BackPack Program students in need of school supplies. A few upcoming events to benefit the program include: dine at Nosh in Portland on Friday, August 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.; a creation of a Clynk account (details will be coming soon); and dine at Uno’s on Thursday, September 13.

If interested in volunteering, making a donation, or if you want to learn more information, please contact a program coordinator. Jen Baker is the coordinator for the elementary schools, and can be reached at jennifer.baker@gorhamschools.org, 222- 1300. Heather Whitaker is the coordinator for the middle school and high school, and can be reached at heather.whitaker@gorhamschool.org, 222-1338.