"BACKPACK BUDDIES" PROGRAM
One "focus" of the Pawlessfest is to support the "Backpack Buddies" program ran by Visto of Cooke County. It is a program that gives students and their siblings living at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines a backpack loaded with nutritious food and snack items for their consumption for a weekend. They filled backpacks are discreetly sent home with the child every Friday after school. The children return the empty backpacks on monday for the process to cycle again on the next Friday. The 2007-2008 year is helping 850 children in 13 schools. This is done every week. The goal for the 2008-2009 year is 1000 students in 14 schools! The result of this is healthier children as well as better grades!
1000 Children.
2 days of food per week
This program costs about $4,000 a week to maintain. PawlessFest festival goers are asked to bring any of the items listed below. Bring as little or as much as you want. Every donation will be put directly into the hands of a child that needs it.
Instant Breakfast
Instant Oatmeal
Poptarts
Viena Sausage
3 oz. Foil Packs of Tuna
Beanee Weenees
7.5oz Lunch Cups (i.e. Chef Boyardee)
NEW Unmarked Backpack (not 'see through')
Visto Contact Information
VISTO
1401 Southland, PO Box 607, Gainesville, TX 76240
940-668-6403 edvisto@sbcglobal.net
Hours are 8am to 12pm weekdays