Top Hatters Motorcycle Club of Imperial Valley continues Backpack Program for needy families

OFF THE WIRE
IMPERIAL — Colorful bags, Golden Grain and green beans were the buddies of volunteers with the local chapter of the Top Hatters Motorcycle Club as they packed duffle bags full of food for needy families.
The Top Hatters are again participating in the second annual Backpack Program in partnership with the Calipatria and Seeley school districts and the Imperial Valley Food Bank.
The groups have been working together to supply 54 needy families — 18 children at three school sites — in the communities of Calipatria, Niland/Bombay Beach and Seeley
Top Hatters public affairs officer Chris Hawkins said Seeley is a new addition to the program this year.
“Every other week we’ll be going to the Food Bank,” he said as volunteers loaded bags and placed them in his pickup.
Hawkins said the Food Bank collects the food from donors and food bought through grants, the bike club picks it up, packs it and delivers it to the schools. The school sites then distribute the food to families they designate as the most in need.
“We became aware of a need two years ago, kind of a gap in the system,” Hawkins said.
“I’ve heard stories that there are some kids that actually have to skip suppers because there’s not enough food at home to have three meals a day,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to believe for a lot of us.”
It is for this reason Hawkins brought the idea to the Top Hatters and they jumped on board.
Hawkins said the Backpack Program usually starts sometime in November and runs throughout the school year until June.
“We’re hoping this makes a little difference,” he said.
To donate to the program visit the Imperial Valley Food Bank at 329 Applestill Road in El Centro or contact them at 760-370-0966.
Staff Writer Roman Flores can be reached at 760-337-3439 or rflores@ivpressonline.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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