Download the Caring Connections July 2023 Newsletter here.
Jennifer Jensen, MS Northmen Den Coordinator, found this note on the fresh food table – the love and appreciation for the volunteers and your heartfelt donations providing food, new shoes, winter coats, quilts, toiletries, school supplies, and a listening ear are written in and between the lines! YOU made the difference!
Our mission for these at-risk children is for them to achieve the same physical and mental development as those living in more stable families. The middle and high school years are critical for all students because kids begin to develop an independent, can-do attitude toward school. Unfortunately, for disadvantaged students, school – the vehicle which can open doors to opportunities – becomes a place where the promises of a bright future seem unattainable. Hunger Hurts – developing bodies and brains, self- confidence, school & social success, and the loss of future dreams. Hunger Just Plain Hurts!
Thank you for understanding the plight of these students who become empowered by the simple ability to choose tomato soup rather than chicken noodle soup or putting fresh broccoli in their bag rather than carrots or adding lettuce to make a salad. Shopping is a small act, but it teaches them, “I have the power within me to make choices so that I won’t be hungry forever.” Your kindness provides this opportunity!
“I only eat one meal a day – (school) lunch” – 8th grade boy
Thus, as this young 11, 12, or 13-year-old described, we can’t thank you enough. Please help us with a donation so our 15 youth pantries’ shelves will be packed on the opening day of school, and throughout the school year, which is only a short time away.
So, thanks, with many added blessings to you and yours!
A CALL FOR HELP FROM 37 TEENAGERS
Please read the following email we received on June 15, 2023.
I teach summer school at PHS and my 37 students are hungry. I have asked the kids what they are eating, and
1. one said they only eat at work, one ate leftover Walmart cookies
2. one said they had a few pizza rolls because that was what was in the house
3. a boy said, “Nothing, there is nothing”
Then, one called out, “Can we please call the Northmen Den to ask if they can help us with food? I go every week during the school year!”
We have classes every day from 8-11 and 11-2. Some students stay all day, then go to work from 3 pm on. These are the students who are eating the least. A few suggested the Den be open each day since it’s right next to the library. I told them I would pass their request to you.
Overall, the conversation with these high school kids made me extremely grateful! I’ve taught here for over two decades and am so glad that kids know who to call for help accessing food.
Northmen Den Youth Pantries is fantastic, and I can’t thank you, your volunteers, and your donors enough! – Robin Ingalls, PHS Teacher
So, the Northmen Den opened each day with all the students excited to see a refrigerator full of fresh food, sandwiches on the table, bagels, and a toaster on the counter. They were able to open the refrigerator to see more choices to show them what a refrigerator should have in it – food! Gentle advice was given to remind them Learn More, Do More, Have More for a brighter future. Each day the food was replenished, and the kids were amazed and grateful.
We expect 300+ kids on the first FRIDAY of School when all our 15 Youth Pantries will open! PLEASE help us with your donation to feed these kids who need access to their Viking Vault, Hornet’s Nest, Harbor Hut, Northmen Den, Lakeview Locker, Round Table, & Concord Corner Youth Pantries. These kids need us more than ever! PLEASE GIVE TO FEED OUR HUNGRY CHILDREN!