(AND AFTER)
In the last few weeks, we’ve had quite a few conversations with community members on how they can help and what they can donate to schools – we appreciate the care and kindness we have seen flow into schools. In Helena Public Schools’ efforts to provide support and assistance to our families affected by the government shutdown in a community connective way, we have established initiatives that take a few different forms:
THREE WAYS TO DONATE
Community food pantries at each school, in partnership with Helena Food Share:
Each school will be a food pantry hub for the Helena Area community, along with the Lincoln Center and the Chamber of Commerce. Donated items will be used within each school, at Helena Food Share, and for the Kid Packs that Helena Food Share provides HPS. We will keep you updated on the needs of each school. You can find your donation location on our here.1. Food donations: HFS welcomes any commercially processed food, including wild game (through Tizer Meats or Montana City Meats for Hunters Against Hunger processing).
Here is their current wish list: flour, sugar, canned meals, canned fruit, peanut butter, and pasta sauce. We’re also in need of sliced bread, condiments, and shelf-stable juice. Coffee, tea, crackers, chips, and fresh bread from our local bakeries are also very welcome.
Please bring these or any food donations to the drive-up donation door along Boulder Ave. These items will be used for community meals and items available at Helena Food Share, as well as the Kid Packs delivered to schools.
The Helena Food Share:
1. Food donations: HFS welcomes any commercially processed food, including wild game (through Tizer Meats or Montana City Meats for Hunters Against Hunger processing).
Here is their current wish list: flour, sugar, canned meals, canned fruit, peanut butter, and pasta sauce. We’re also in need of sliced bread, condiments, and shelf-stable juice. Coffee, tea, crackers, chips, and fresh bread from our local bakeries are also very welcome.
Please bring these or any food donations to the drive-up donation door along Boulder Ave. These items will be used for community meals and items available at Helena Food Share, as well as the Kid Packs delivered to schools.
2. Monetary Donations: Monetary donations are always welcome and it helps them purchase items in bulk. They can also stretch a dollar a lot further if need be. HFS donation QR code (on RIGHT) will also be on reader boards at each school.
**Support their holiday food drives at local stores this month: Nov. 1 at Safeway, Nov 8 at Super 1 Foods, and Nov. 15 at Albertsons. All are 10am-4pm.
3. Volunteering: HFS is always looking for an extra hand or two. To learn more, click HERE.
HPS RevTrak Donations
Consider donating to HPS RevTrak to help cover school meals for kids who are not already receiving support and family is affected by the government shutdown. You can find the QR code (on LEFT) that takes you directly to the donation center, and the link to the home page HERE.
We will use one RevTrak donation source and divvy the funds across the district per school need, unless the donor indicates a specific school placement. You can also go to a specific HPS school’s website and find their RevTrak link to donate directly to that school.
RUNNING RESOURCE LIST ON OUR WEBPAGE
FOOD DRIVE AND OTHER RELATED EVENT LISTINGS (also listed on WEBPAGE)
CONTACT CENTER FOR QUESTIONS AND TO GET CONNECTED
As you might have gathered by now, the webpage will serve as the communication center for updates, resources, and FAQ/contact. We will continue to update the “Community Corner” section of the Friday Update, and you can find information posted at each school, the Helena Food Share, and the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. As a good rule of thumb, contact your local school on what initiatives they may have going on – many will or are holding food drives and other events.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions. We are here to support you – we have your back!