Blessings in a Backpack nationally, has helped feed nearly 90,000 children in nearly 1,100 schools in 45 states since it began. Knox College students brought the Blessings in a Backpack initiative to Galesburg in 2010. The program strives to aid elementary students who may not have enough to eat on the weekends by sending them home on Fridays with a backpack of non-perishable food items. Knox students help the organization by donating a meal to the program – each time a Knox student donates a meal plan “card swipe,” ten apples get donated to the program. Chair of Educational Studies for Knox College, Joel Estes tells WGIL the program now sends food home for 436 Galesburg children. “It’s something that, when I was with the school district, I was really aware of hungry kids,” Estes said. “We have hungry kids in the community – of no fault of their own. This organization of college students is just trying to make a difference and hopefully bring a smile to their faces.” Wednesday, May 9th, is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year at Iron Spike. For the 3rd year, Blessings in a Backpack will basically take over Iron Spike starting at 7:00 pm. The event will feature beer and wine tasting, performances from the Knox Acapella and Jazz Bands, and a live auction from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Kehoe Eye Care will have a photo booth set up and the night will end with karaoke from 10:00 pm to midnight. Last year the event raised $17,000 – according to Estes, nearly half of the organization’s goal. Tickets are $20 at Iron Spike, Lyons Club members, Knox stuents or at the door.
