Over past years, the need to help homeless and poverty-stricken children in our local school district and community became obvious. In an effort to address some of that need, the United Methodist Women of Duluth First United Methodist Church began the Happy Sacks program in September of 2012. Each sack contains 10 to 12 healthy snack items to eat over the weekend, providing nutrition to the kids until they return to school to receive free or reduced breakfasts and/or lunches during the school week. Happy Sacks, currently partnering with three elementary schools and one middle school, works with the school counselors who identify the children in need. The Happy Sacks, 80-90 sacks assembled on Wednesdays and delivered on Friday morning by wonderful volunteers, are given to the children by the school staff. In keeping with public school policy, the Happy Sacks contain no religious information whatsoever, only nutritious snacks. You can help us fill the Happy Sacks by making a monetary gift to Happy Sacks. Each Happy Sack costs approximately $5 and the number of sacks needed each week varies. We have made a commitment to these schools to provide the Happy Sacks for the duration of each school year. Donations of needed food items and/or money are always welcome. For more information or a list of needed items, please contact Terri Adkins by e-mail at ttadkins@sprynet.com.