Volunteering for the Food for Thought backpack food program has become a popular group activity for scout troops, school clubs, and even senior organizations. The assembly line we use to pack the bags can take on a feverish pitch, and never more so than this week when a record-breaking 1200 bags were packed in less than 35 minutes! It was possible because of a number of other firsts, including the first time we had two assembly lines. It was the first time we had over 100 volunteers, all of them students at Liberty University. And it was our first outdoor event, conducted on their campus, so they could say they had the "home field advantage."
Another "first" took place this week when the Home Essentials Class began in the new home of the Life Skills Institute! The space is located on the lower level of The Plaza, next door to the Food for Thought distribution center (aka the "warehouse"). Although not fully furnished, we are excited to have the room to add many more classes in the future, and a "grand opening" event is in the works.
Over 20 students signed up for the nine-session course that covers home care, laundry, cooking, first aid, money, and the world of work. Participants were recruited from housing projects where failing a home inspection can result in eviction, so the subjects taught really are "essentials." Also, a new requirement for recipients of the Salvation Army's Angel Tree is that they take a class like this. Thanks to the City of Lynchburg for helping make this class possible!