‘So many families are in need.’ Birdie Bags program helps McEbright students in Akron

Akron: The McEbright Community Learning Center is stepping up to help its students. They’re bringing back the Birdie Bags program, which provides food, snacks, and hygiene items to kids in need.

This initiative is backed by a $2,000 grant from the Millennium Fund for Children. It’s part of a larger effort that has given over $1 million to local organizations since 1999. The Ben Curtis Family Foundation, which runs the Birdie Bags program, has been helping McEbright since January 2022.

McEbright serves around 265 students from kindergarten to fifth grade, all of whom are economically disadvantaged. The grant will help buy essential hygiene products like deodorant, toothpaste, and laundry detergent.

Before the pandemic, they included sample toiletries in the bags, but that had to be paused due to rising food costs. Now, they’re back on track, and the total cost for these hygiene items is about $2,044.

Patricia Stauffer, the principal, expressed gratitude for the program, saying it’s a fantastic opportunity for families facing various challenges. School counselor Amber Bechter called the pantry a lifeline for many families, allowing them to access food and hygiene essentials without stress.

Bechter shared a touching story about a parent who felt relieved knowing they wouldn’t have to choose between paying bills and meeting their family’s basic needs. The program not only meets physical needs but also restores hope and dignity.

Families can come to the school to grab what they need, and the foundation’s understanding of the challenges inner-city families face is commendable. Their support helps students focus on learning without worrying about unmet needs.

The Birdie Bags program is crucial, especially with rising costs making it hard for families to afford both food and hygiene products. The pantry is stocked monthly, and it’s a great way to see what families need most.

With all students receiving free and reduced lunch, the demand for personal hygiene products is high. The Birdie Bags contain meals and snacks for students, ensuring they have enough to eat throughout the year.

Each month, around 6,000 bags are packed and delivered to schools in the area. The distribution varies by district, but no child is turned away. Volunteers work hard to make sure these bags reach those who need them.

Sometimes, the foundation hears back about the impact they’re making. One teacher shared how she benefited from Birdie Bags as a child and now helps distribute them. There was even a story about a 7-year-old who received their first toothbrush, highlighting the importance of this program.

These stories remind everyone involved why this work is so vital. With inflation and rising food costs, many families are struggling, and the Birdie Bags program is here to help.

For more info, check out bencurtisfoundation.org or consider donating to the Millennium Fund for Children.