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August is Backpack Snack Attack Back-to-School Month

| 23 Jul 2013 | 03:46
    Restaurants, like the Landmark Inn, will use envelopes with information about the program and fundraiser that will accompany a patron's check at the end of the meal. From left, Back Pack Snack Attack volunteer Len Singer holding a coin drop container, President Shirley Puett, Town of Warwick Deputy Supervisor James Gerstner and Michael DiMartino, chef/owner of the Landmark Inn.
    Restaurants, like the Landmark Inn, will use envelopes with information about the program and fundraiser that will accompany a patron's check at the end of the meal. From left, Back Pack Snack Attack volunteer Len Singer holding a coin drop container, President Shirley Puett, Town of Warwick Deputy Supervisor James Gerstner and Michael DiMartino, chef/owner of the Landmark Inn.

Warwick — The Warwick Town Board has officially proclaimed the month of August "Backpack Snack Attack Back-to-School Month."

Backpack Snack Attack is a non-profit organization that provides nutritional snacks to over 300 needy school children each week of the school year. The program is run entirely by a group of volunteers and supported by donations and fundraising.

During the month of August, businesses throughout the town will be collecting donations from their customers in several different ways. Restaurants, for example, will use envelopes with information about the program and fundraiser that will accompany a patron's check at the end of the meal. Banks, delis, bakeries and various other types of businesses are using coin drop containers that have been decorated with the necessary information. These coin containers will be kept on the counters of the businesses by their registers.

There are several other businesses doing some unique things.

Bank of America in Pine Island, for example, is serving as a drop off location for school supplies. C&D Old World Bagels is donating bagels on a regular basis. Pine Island Deli is donating ten $10 gift certificates. Price Chopper is donating baked goods every Saturday. RiteAide in Warwick is supplying three cases of water. Remee Wire and Cable is giving $500. Sunny Studio Inc. Nail Spa is donating 10 percent of August sales. Track 7, which has been collecting food and donations for the Ecumenical Council Food Pantry, will also serve as a food drop for Backpack appropriate snacks. United Martial Arts Center (UMAC) will be hosting a Nerf/Ninja Night with a percentage of proceeds going to Backpack Snack Attack. Walden Savings Bank in Florida is making a donation and also serving as a food drop for Backpack appropriate snacks. ShopRite and Leo Kaytes Ford are partnering four weekend days in August in events where customers purchase items to fill a Ford truck parked in front of the supermarket. Warwick Press has continued to be a partner and supporter of the Backpack program. They printed the fliers and envelopes for Back to School Month.

Currently there are 73 businesses from Florida, Greenwood Lake, Pine Island and Warwick, and still growing, committed to be part of Back to School Month. A complete list will be available at the conclusion of the fundraiser.

One hundred percent of all donations to the program are used to purchase food and backpacks. Annual expenses have now exceeded $80,000.

Anyone interested in getting involved in Back to School Month can contact Len Singer at lenscott57@gmail.com or Shirley Puett at backpacksnackattack@yahoo.com.