Hopelink's “End Summer Hunger” Program Feeds Low-Income Kids

Did you know that when school is out for the summer, many of the 11,000 children in north and east King County who receive free or reduced cost meals during the school year may go hungry? Want to know how you can help?

This is from a press release sent to us by Hopelink:

Hopelink, the largest social services agency serving east and north King County launched its annual “End Summer Hunger” fund and food drive in April. Presenting sponsor Expedia invites community groups, schools, businesses and our neighbors throughout the area to join in now through August and do their part to ease hunger and homelessness among our communities’ children and families.

Families made 23 percent more visits to Hopelink’s food banks between September and December 2008 than the same period in 2007. Considering the rapidly growing number of families in financial distress due to the economy and seeking help from Hopelink, this campaign is more important than ever in ensuring Hopelink’s ability to feed hungry children.

The "End Summer Hunger" campaign began April 1 and ends August 31, and seeks support from schools, individuals, businesses, and organizations. This program is particularly important because donations to Hopelink historically drop during the summer, leaving the agency’s food banks with lower than normal supplies. Schools that support the program encourage children in classrooms to collect coins, while businesses, organizations and civic or community clubs hold food drives, fund drives, or both, according to what works best for them.

Expedia is the presenting sponsor for End Summer Hunger 2009. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Eric Thom at ethom@hope-link.org or 425.558.5910.

For information on how to get involved in End Summer Hunger, go to www.hope-link.org or Hopelink’s website for young philanthropists, http://youthlink.hope-link.org/