Backpack Blessings virtual pies feature zero calories and are gluten free. No shopping, mixing, cooking required to participate.

Think of a pie auction or a pie sale without the pies. So, let the fundraising begin.

The number of elementary students needing meals on the weekend grows each year. This 2024-25 school year finds over 150 Powell and Clark Elementary School-age students being served by Backpack Blessings of Powell.

December is the fundraising month in which the community — individuals, businesses, clubs,  organizations and churches — generously send donations to support Backpack Blessings. Many continue to donate throughout the year. The board of directors of Backpack Blessings solicits and receives grants from many generous supporting entities. All donations are used for purchasing food.

As food prices rise, the cost of one backpack for a weekend is nearing $10. The Backpack program provides easy-to-prepare food for six meals, two snacks and drinks for the weekend.

The community continually donates enough money that the program has been able to keep backpacks full for program participants throughout the school year.

“Board members are shopping all the time for the best prices for the quantity of food needed each week,” reports board member Marybeth Richardson.

Backpack Blessings is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit overseen by a dedicated board. Sharon Earhart, president, says, “The organization is solely supported by donations, grants and the dedicated volunteers who pack the bags each Thursday and the high school students who deliver the bags to each of the four schools.”

Donations can be mailed to Backpack Blessings of Powell,  PO Box 1, Powell, WY 82435. Website: backpackblessingsofpowell.com.