Published: July 22, 2008 01:53 am            

Center calls for school supplies, food

When more than 200 people in Boone County ask the question “What’s for Lunch?,” The Caring Center and Shalom Zone in Lebanon answer.

What’s for Lunch is a program that gives food to preschool and school-age children on the free and reduced lunch program when school is not in session. During summer break, the center at 1230 Ransdell Court distributes lunch food each Monday.

Caring Center Executive Director Theresa Hanners said the program is in its second year. While 45 lunches were given when it first started, Hanners said 206 lunches were picked up last week and supplies ran out.

“We had to have some come back on Tuesday,” Hanners said. “We need more donations.”

There are approximately 2,000 kids on free and reduced lunch in Boone County, Hanners said.

To receive the food, clients must show a picture ID and prove that they are a Boone County resident.

Chad Padgett of Thorntown and a member of the Harvest Community Church in Whitestown, was among the volunteers helping to load up the brown bag lunches Monday. Each bag was filled with enough lunch food for five days.

“There’s a need in the community and people who have the resources to help need to come forward and do what they can,” Padgett said. “It’s nice to see people smile.”

And with the end of summer approaching, Hanners is already preparing to help local students get reach for school.

School supplies and clothes are being distributed from now through July 29 for Harney Elementary students. Distribution is from July 30 to Aug. 11 for all other Boone County schools. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Lebanon Kiwanis Club provides backpacks of supplies for Lebanon students, but Hanners said many more items are needed.

        

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