Nov. 5: First Christian Church's Backpack Buddies yard sale set

Media release: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 209 E. Second Avenue will have an indoor yard sale on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 8 AM to 12 Noon to benefit its participation in the Backpack Buddies Program.

Since 2007, greater Rome elementary school children have experienced the Backpack Buddy Program (BPB) which began with the Christian Women's Fellowship at First Christian. Beginning with only a few students at two schools, the demand has increased so that many other churches, civic groups and individuals now sponsor schools. Rome Action Ministries (RAM) partners with sponsors to help provide nutritious snacks and meal items at very low prices to the sponsors.

In the 2010-2011 school year, RAM reported that over 1000 Backpack Buddy bags were sent home with school children so they could eat on the weekends when the schools are closed. In each school, counselors and teachers identify children who might benefit from the program, and in the 2011-2012 school year, the number is on the rise.

The following email was sent the week of October 16^{th to the ladies at First Christian from a school they sponsor: "A teacher shared with me a change she has seen in a student when they returned on Monday. She feels that it was the child being added to the BPB program that has helped. We know you know this program is helping our students and we are so grateful. Once again the numbers have increased, now we are at 75. I think we have finally identified all our students and siblings. Thank you."}

The Christian Women's Fellowship of First Christian continues to be involved in Backpack Buddies. They are excited to be able to serve an ever increasing number of children and want to assure their participation by earning additional funds through a church-wide yard sale on Saturday, November 5th at the church – 209 E. Second Ave. There will be household and holiday items and more (no clothes), and all proceeds will go to benefit the Backpack Buddies program.

For more information call the church at 706-291-6745.