MAGNOLIA - According to a press release from Bodcaw Bank, The Magnolia Junior Charity League recognized Bodcaw Bank as a Platinum Presenting Partner for the 2020-2021 Backpack program sponsored by MJCL. The funds will be used to purchase food sacks for students enrolled in the Backpack food program in Columbia County schools and for the new Food Pantries for Middle & High school students. Last year, over 250 students were enrolled in the backpack program and over 1,000 bags were distributed in the summer program throughout the county at various pickup locations.
“We are so thankful for Bodcaw Bank joining us this year as a Presenting Platinum partner for our Backpack food program. We are looking forward to partnering with them in the future and are thankful for their support of MJCL this year,” said MJCL President Anna Smith.
Each Friday, children from kindergarten through sixth grade who are enrolled in the Backpack program receive easy to open food placed in their bag to take home for the weekend. This fall, MJCL has made an expansion of the Backpack program to include the new Food Pantry, after meeting with local school administrators. They expressed their concern for the older children in middle and high schools that face hunger every day. Each pantry is stocked with various snacks and meal options for students who administrators, teachers, coaches, and counselors feel need extra nutritional support.
Every year, MJCL partners with local Churches to raise funds to support the Backpack program. This year, MJCL has been seeking additional local partnerships, such as the partnership with Bodcaw Bank, throughout the County to support the expansion of services for our children. MJCL looks forward to the opportunity of growing the Backpack and Pantry programs in the future to combat hunger in Columbia County.