Backpack Snack Attack sixth annual Back to School Month raises $12,790

WARWICK — This is the sixth consecutive year that the Warwick Town Board has proclaimed the month of August, "Backpack Snack Attack Back to School Month."
As a result of extraordinary community support, Backpack Snack Attack, a non-profit organization that provides nutritional snacks to almost 300 needy school children each week of the school year, raised $12,790, bringing the six-year total to over $77,000.
Enough to fill 2,600 backpacksDepending on the price of food, the proceeds from this year's event could fill 2,600 backpacks.
The program is run entirely by a group of volunteers and supported by donations and fund raising. All proceeds are used to purchase food for needy children in this community.
During August, approximately 90 businesses throughout the town collected donations from their customers through the use of canisters, donation envelopes in restaurants and two food drives.
Partners, food drives, coin canistersFor example, Leo Kayte's Ford and ShopRite partnered throughout the month in a fill a van with food campaign for the full month. And the van was filled to capacity on several occasions by ShopRite customers.
And Christina Mason of Warwick also spearheaded a food drive at Polo Ralph Lauren in Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, resulting in 20 huge boxes of food being delivered to the Backpack storage room.
During August several area restaurants presented their customers with donation envelopes when meals were completed and the bill was presented.
The Landmark Inn led the way with more than $1,000 in donations.
Grappa Ristaurante and Eddie's Roadhouse raised more than $600 each and The Copper Bottom and Sugar Loaf Taphouse raised more than $400 each.
More than 50 businesses had coin canisters on their counters. The Akin's Pharmacy canister, for example, raised $66.
Luca Trattoria and Pizzeria, Peck's Wines and Spirits and Bluestone Acupuncture also had their canisters filled with donations.
'Off to a great start'Warwick Grove Softball and Stickball teams, as well as many other organizations and businesses, including H.O.P.E. Daylee USA, K O Invo, Savvy Chic and G&T Auto Parts of Warwick, made generous donations.
The Backpack Snack event organizers also reported that Pennings Orchard and Ochs Orchard were especially supportive.
"We would like to thank all the businesses and people of Warwick for their incredible generosity," said Backpack Snack Attack President Shirley Puett. "Backpack is off to a great start this school year thanks to the support of our wonderful community."
- Roger Gavan