BOCA RATON, Fla. — In just one week, students will be off for their holiday break. That means many charities are in overdrive, making sure kids in need don’t go hungry.
It's a bustling kitchen that’s in full operation six days a week. But on Thursday, the volunteers of Boca Helping Hands really ramped up their efforts.
Thursday nights are for families, and that’s when this organization get to serve children.
According to No Kid Hungry, an organization aiming to end child hunger in America, one in seven children live with hunger in the U.S. That’s why Boca Helping Hands goes the extra mile.
"We’re purchasing the type of food we think we like, but really intended for kids to eat," said Greg Hazle, the Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands, which is located at 1500 NW 1st Ct.
The organization has dedicated the entire second floor of its headquarters to the Backpack Buddy program.
On Fridays, kids in need go home with a backpack filled with food for the weekend.
"This year we’re serving 12 schools. Last year we served nine," said Hazle.
But this growing need that’s putting a strain on the charity's budget.
"There's $9 worth of meals go into the backpack," said Hazle. "Do the math. 1,200 kids times 33 weeks of the school year times $9, it’s a lot of money. It’s one of the big cash needs of our program."
That's why they're calling on the community to pitch in to make sure kids don’t go hungry during the holidays.
"It just doesn’t seem fair that a kid should go home hungry and have impaired learning conditions because they’re not well fed," said Hazle.
To donate to Boca Helping Hands, click here.