BELLE — Belle Community Church was preparing for its Backpack Program packing for the week on Monday as five parishioners focused on unloading two carloads packed-to-the-brim carloads of groceries.

Barb Howarth, founder and long-time member of the 16-year program said somehow the program is always provided for.

“Without the support of the entire community, individuals, businesses and churches, the Backpack Program would not have been as successful as it has been,” Howarth said. “It’s been a lot of work, but so rewarding.”

Items such as boxed noodles, vegetables and cereal were stacked on the shelves on July 15 as $900 in groceries were unloaded and prepped for distribution. Howarth said during the summer the church arranges to make drop-offs for students signed up for the program. Households who qualify receive one care package per child.

“If anyone would be interested in donating, they would make checks payable to Belle Community Church, ℅ Barbara Howarth, P.O. Box 657, Belle, MO, 54013.”

For more information about the Backpack Program, call Howarth at 314-609-5151.