On August 2, Seeds of Hope hosted its second annual back-to-school backpack distribution to local families in need. At the event, more than 200 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to kids getting ready to go back to school. Papa John’s Pizza also attended the event and donated 35 pizzas for the families to enjoy.
Newsome student Morgan Gardner was the leader of the backpack distribution. “I help regularly with Seeds of Hope and have gotten to know the families and the kids. This kind of stuff is so helpful for them and that’s why I wanted to lead this event,” Gardner said.
President of Seeds of Hope Leda Eaton explained the goal of their organization is to listen to what the people need and help where it is needed.
“We meet the need of the community we serve. We are not people who come to just throw things at people. If they did not need backpacks, we would not be here doing backpacks,” Eaton said.
Along with distributing more than 200 backpacks, 132 boxes of food were also given to families to take home.
Seeds of Hope is a food bank organization created eight years ago with a mission to ‘provide help to local people in need and meaningful community service hours for students.’ Many students from the local schools volunteer with Seeds of Hope and see first-hand their impact on people.
Students Eva Gutierrez, Naomi Boerner and Kaitlin Francavilla all agreed Seeds of Hope provides something other food banks do not because you get to see the people and their impact. These students become familiar with the families coming to the bank and learn their stories, making for an impactful volunteer experience.
Seeds of Hope hosts different events throughout the community, including Soup for the Soul, FishHawk Turkey Trot and the Color Your Egg Run. For more information about the organization and volunteering, visit its website, sohopefl.org. To stay up to date on Seeds of Hope events and donation needs, visit its Facebook page, Seeds of Hope Inc.
