All those backpacks to fill, but they represent real need

POTTSTOWN PA – Operation Backpack, which at the end of a school week provides local hungry students with much needed food for the weekend, has again this year found a willing Pottstown area partner in The Gallery School of Pottstown, the school reported Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2012) partner.

“There are many homeless and chronically hungry students in our area, and together we can help them succeed by addressing their hunger,” school representative Julie Tonnessen said. For its part, the school and the accompanying Gallery On High, 254 High St., Pottstown is collecting food donations during its regular business hours through the end of this month.

The school and gallery are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Another non-profit organization, True to Life Ministries, operates Operation Backpack and works with individuals and organizations like the school to gather donated food and supplies. Volunteers use donated items to fill backpacks that are then distributed to qualifying students at the end of each week. The backpacks protect the students’ confidentiality, and are discretely returned on Mondays so the process can start over.

A list of items needed from donors can be found here.

“Adding to the impact of the food drive, Gallery glass artist Tari Zarka will donate 20 percent of her jewelry sales during the month of January to Operation Backpack. Tari creates gorgeous lamp-worked pendants, earrings, pins and cuff links,” Tonnessen added.

The Gallery School of Pottstown is a non-profit community art school and gallery. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages, and intends to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The Gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.

Photo from Google Images