Rotarians continue support for Backpack Snack Attack

| 16 Dec 2013 | 01:25

Photo by Stan Martin Warwick Valley Rotarians continue their support for Backpack Snack Attack with a $500 donation. Club President Neil Sinclair makes the presentation to fellow Rotarian Michael Otte, pastor of the Warwick Reform Church, home of the Backpack Snack Attack program which feeds about 300 elementary students and siblings each weekend.

WARWICK — One of Warwick's most successful community programs began as a dream to help others.

Warwick’s Backpack Snack Attack emerged five years ago as the brainchild of Shirley Puett and Jay Rowland, who recognized the need for providing hungry children with weekend meals.

They approached Warwick Rotary Community Services Chair Dr. Maggi Verhagen and Club President Stan Martin, who enlisted the support of the Rotary directors to provide additional suggestions, support and “seed money.”

From its initial 20 students at Pine Island Elementary School, Backpack Snack Attack now provides meals each week to about 300 students and siblings in all elementary schools in Warwick, Florida and Greenwood Lake School Districts.

The program is now under the umbrella of the Warwick Reformed Church with Puett and Rowland continuing to coordinate the efforts of wide-based community support from individuals, businesses and local groups.

During the past three years Backpack Snack Attack students have received approximately 600 new warm winter coats from Warwick Rotarians and their benefactors.

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