I nominate Kimmy Latsch and Homeless Backpacks, Inc. as community champions. Kimmy is the teen representative on the board of directors for Homeless Backpacks, a program that provides weekend food support to homeless students in Thurston and Mason counties. Many students qualify for federally-funded breakfast and lunch programs, but are on their own for the weekend.
Homeless Backpacks fills in the gaps for those students. This allows the students to worry about one less thing and focus on their school work. This past year, the program supported 246 students, and 38 graduated. Kimmy is pictured shopping for supplies to fill food bags for students. Each week, volunteers deliver the bags to local middle and high schools. Students retrieve the bags from their counselor's or school nurse's office. Food is placed in a bag or backpack so that students are not embarrassed by their circumstance.
By providing a reliable weekend food source, Homeless Backpacks makes the difference in students' lives. It is completely volunteer-supported, so all donations go directly to the students.
Because of the selfless dedication of the board, I believe Homeless Backpacks exemplifies the spirit of community that Brotherton is trying to recognize.
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