Volunteers Needed For 31 Backpacks “Big Pack”

Looking out for one another is a strong characteristic of many UP residents, and that rings true in the Keweenaw Peninsula just as much as anywhere else in Yooperland.  “We are providing in the neighborhood of 200 students with food to last them over that 12 day period so they can enjoy their holiday as well,” said Melissa Maki of 31 Backpacks.

Throughout the year 31 Backpacks strives to supplement the diets of students throughout the Copper Country who don’t have enough to eat at home. With school districts pausing for two weeks to recognize the holidays, the non-profit organization steps up to fill an even larger gap.  “We have students that were getting breakfast, lunch and snack at school but were going without food on the weekends. If they’re going without on the weekends, imagine what they’re doing for this extended time off of school,” Maki said.

On Sunday, volunteers will met at the church and move thousand of pounds of groceries that were delivered Thursday afternoon and will make its way to the tables of boys and girls in need.  Maki said, “Sunday at 2:00pm after the services are done, we’re going to be moving everything that’s in the sanctuary that’s on the right side on to the left. We’ll put all of the products out and take them out of the wrapping so they’re ready to go. I can’t imagine it taking more than a couple of hours. We want anybody that wants to come out to please come out. The more the merrier. We’re not going to turn anybody down. We have something for everyone to do.”

Volunteers are being sought for both Sunday and Monday, which will be repackaging day.  “And then Monday night is the actual “Big Pack”. We’d like you to be here at 5:45pm at the latest. We’ll be underway at 6:00pm and it is a minor contribution to help out some of the kids in your community, your friends, and your neighbors and make sure they have a good holiday season as well,” Maki said.

If you would like to help and participate in the local fight against hunger, you can simply show up.  “We certainly could use your manpower help. This weekend is really important for us and that’s at 601 Ingot in Hancock. We always tell people it’s the big brown church. Drive around the back. That’s where the main entrance is,” Maki said.