For the past 15 years, Sebring elementary students have had the opportunity to participate in “Friday Food Club,” taking home a bag of weekend groceries every Friday.
What started as an outreach ministry in 2010, organized by a nonprofit organization, Acts 2 Ministries, has now been in the hands of a group of Sebring volunteers who kept it alive after the nonprofit disbanded in 2019.
“We’re so grateful for the team behind our Friday Food Club and the community donations that make this possible,” says Sebring B.L. Miller Elementary’s Principal Nichole Hanley. “Our students leave with big smiles on their faces as they walk out with their bags.”
Led by the volunteer team’s coordinator, Susan Sanor, the group includes Mark and Michele Bara, Terry Koerner, Paula and Don Wayt, Karen and Brent Rarick, Joyce Whiting and Diana Brubaker-Smith.
Each week, the group meets at the elementary school to organize and pack the individual bags, which participating students then pick up from the office at the end of the day on Fridays.
“We pack enough food to provide two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks, along with staple pantry items such as peanut butter and jelly, bread and occasionally Velveeta cheese,” said Sanor. “We have been blessed with donations from the community and have trusted in God’s grace and provision to be able to serve these children for 15 years.”
The group is always accepting food donations, which can be dropped off at the Sebring Public Library. Items needed are peanut butter and jelly (plastic jars), Velveeta, canned soup, canned pasta (Spaghetti-O’s, ravioli, etc.), ramen noodles, spam, boxed macaroni and cheese, cereal boxes, individual oatmeal packets, pop tarts, nutri grain bars, granola bars, individual snacks such as crackers, chips, cookies, pudding, jello cups, applesauce, fruit cups, etc.
If you are interested in assisting financially, please contact Susan Sanor at 330-259-5946.