Xi Alpha Delta Rho Makes Donation to Center Backpack Program

August 10, 2018 - The Xi Alpha Delta Rho chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was delighted to make a donation to the Center Backpack Program, in anticipation of the new school year starting. Receiving the donation was Mrs. Alease Copelin, director of the program and CHS counselor.

The Center Backpack Program has been fighting hunger in the Center ISD schools for six years now. Center ISD partners with the East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) to provide children with food over the weekend so they return to school on Monday ready to learn! The Backpack Program provides food for children who participate in free or reduced price meal programs, but are at risk of going hungry on week-ends or holidays. Caring teachers and staff members identify children who are showing signs of food insecurity - hunger or malnutrition - and share the name of the child with the campus counselor who then distributes a pack of child-friendly food items each Friday. Packs are filled with nutritious, easy-to-open food that doesn't require stove top cooking. Funding for the program comes from the Flags to Fight Hunger Program as well as donations from individuals and organizations.

Children can begin participating in the program at any time during the school year, so the number of program participants varies throughout the year. Children have difficulty concentrating on learning when hungry - the Backpack Program is just one way Center ISD is partnering with the community to foster a positive learning environment by meeting the needs of its students!