Sponsor a Child
The cost to sponsor one child for the entire school year is approximately $80 - $100. Checks can be made payable to Blessings in a Backpack - Effingham, IL and they may be mailed to P.O. Box 28, Effingham, IL 62401.
Volunteer to Pack Bags
You can volunteer twice per month, on Tuesdays, at 5:30pm. Volunteers meet at Oneighty in Effingham to pack food bags. The process usually takes about 1 hour and is a fun, fast-paced session. Email us to be added to our volunteer website.
Deliver Bags
We deliver bags twice per month on Wednesdays. We pick up totes from Oneighty in Effingham and deliver them to participating schools.
This requires a box truck due to the large numbers of tubs used to transport the food. Most drivers agree to a one month, two-time pick-up. Email us to sign up for deliveries.
Make a Food Donation
Blessings in a Backpack is in need of food items that are ready to eat and easy to prepare. We have developed a list of the top food donation needs:
- Single serving oatmeal packets
- Single serving cereal boxes
- Macaroni & cheese
- Ravioli / spaghetti
- Granola bars
- Canned tuna / chicken / vienna sausages