People for People Backpack Program Fundraiser set

The annual Backpack Program Fundraiser will be at the Thermopolis Middle School on Saturday, November 18, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will be in conjunction with the craft sale in the gym.

This year the theme is “Everything Christmas”. Event organizer Judy Carswell said participants can decorate anything in the style of Christmas from trees, chairs, wreaths, birdhouses, and anything they want to do. These items are for the silent auction, which is final at 3 p.m. 

The proceeds go to the Backpack Program, which provides meals for students every weekend. Carswell said the program has changed a little bit since last year. Until now they have just been servicing school district kids, however, Carswell said, “Backpacks are for hungry kids. We’ve kind of changed the scope of who we provide meals for. I just started this weekend providing a meal to a young woman that has a four-year-old that needs food.”

Carswell added regarding the pickup spot for food, “If you let us know ahead of time that you need a bag of food for a child, we provide those at the Learning Center at Common Ground with Barb Rice from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.” 

Last year the Backpack Program added the alternative school, which is the Learning Center and homeschools and now they are broadening out who they serve.

Additionally, there will be People for People fundraiser on Monday, December 4 from 4 until 7:30 p.m. The theme is “Inside Out” and includes the Tour of Homes and a scavenger hunt. The fundraiser will be a 50/50 raffle and tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. To purchase tickets, contact Judy Carswell at 921-8264.

People for People will also hold a free meal, eat-in, or delivery, on both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day at 1 p.m.. More details will come in future articles.