OAUW gets grant for backpack program
Orrville Area United Way recently announced the receipt of a $4,000 grant from the Wayne County Children’s Resource Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation. The funding will assist Percy’s Weekend Backpack Program, ensuring children in Dalton and Orrville school districts have access to nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals when school is not in session.
The backpack program has experienced an increase in demand, currently serving approximately 120 students each week. With this grant, over 1,230 packs of food will be distributed, providing children with sufficient meals for the weekend. These meals are designed to be easy for children to prepare themselves.
“Supporting our youth and families is at the heart of our work,” said James Carpenter, executive director of Orrville Area United Way. “Being selected as a grant recipient by the Wayne County Children’s Resource Fund at WCCF is an honor, and it will directly benefit children facing food insecurity. This funding helps us continue to meet rising demands and ensure that children have access to food when they need it most.”
Orrville Area United Way is committed to strengthening local families and children through several Percy Programs including the weekend backpack program, Happy Feet and Sweet Dreams. These initiatives specifically address needs in Dalton, Marshallville and Orrville — providing food, footwear and beds to children in need.
The backpack program collaborates closely with Dalton and Orrville schools, as well as The Salvation Army Orrville-Maiwurm Service Center.
The growing demand for services and the rising costs of providing these resources make the funding from the Wayne County Community Foundation even more vital.
For more information about Percy’s Weekend Backpack Program or to learn how to contribute, visit www.orrvilleareaunitedway.org or call Orrville Area United Way at 330-683-8181.