Elks pack backpacks

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks participated in the weekly packing of the backpacks for the Blessings in a Backpack Program. The program provides a backpack of 7-10 kid-friendly food items to supplement meals over the weekend. Backpacks are distributed at the end of the school day on Fridays. The program presently provides backpacks to children in grades K-4 who attend Van Wert City Elementary School and St. Mary of the Assumption School. The program was started in Van Wert in January 2010 from seed money and volunteers from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and 14 Van Wert High School seniors. In September 2012, Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 donated more than 200 backpacks to the program to be used during the school year this year. Shown are (from the left) Patrick Freeman, loyal knight and youth activities chairman; Larry Miller, lodge chaplain; Exalted Ruler Fred Fisher and Craig Bell, lecturing knight. (Elks photo)