Monty Mendenhall, Pacific Power Regional Business Manager for Jackson and Siskiyou counties, presents a $2,500.00 check from the Pacific Power Foundation to Great Northern Services Executive Director Bonnie Kubowitz. The funds were granted by the Foundation to help support the GNS free Summer Lunch Program for 2016.
The Pacific Power Foundation has provided $2,500.00 to help Great Northern Services provide free lunches and healthy activities for children and teens this summer.
The GNS free Summer Lunch Program makes nutritious lunches available and offers informative and entertaining activities weekdays at Bel Air Park in Weed for all children and teens who wish to participate. Last year more than 1,000 young people received free lunches through the program.
Foundation Senior Vice President Gary Hoogeveen stated in the grant award letter that the grant funds were meant to support not only the meals provided by the program, but also efforts to host guest speakers, physical activities, and outdoor games for the young people who attend.
“This is not the first time Pacific Power Foundation has stepped up to help. They have always been the ‘first one in’ to help fund our pilot programs and they remain one of our most committed food program partners. I am incredibly grateful for their ongoing support,” GNS Community Services Program Manager Crystal Aston stated.
She said the community itself has embraced the program and more partners are coming onboard to help.
“It’s created a movement,” Aston added.
Plans being developed for the 2016 program include art classes and other activities to be offered through the Weed Library and by individual volunteers.
For more information about the Great Northern Free Summer Lunch Program, please call Aston at 938-4115, ext. 126.