As part of the Frenship Tiger Bites food program, the students, volunteers, and donors filled more than 500 backpacks with food that will go home with Frenship students identified as needing a helping hand when school is closed for winter break.

“Some of our students rely on the breakfast and lunch they eat at school. During the two-week break, these food backpacks can go a long way in helping our Frenship families. It’s a little bit of hope wrapped in a backpack,” said Dr. Michelle McCord, Frenship ISD Superintendent.

The Rotary Club of Lubbock spearheaded the food backpack project more than 10 years ago. Over the past decade, the number of families needing help has grown, but so has the community support.

This year, the Rotary Club of Lubbock secured food, backpacks, and monetary donations from nearly 20 local organizations and businesses including Rotary members, First Baptist Church, Reese Technology Center, Parkhill, Aramark, R.E. Janes Gravel Co., Madera Residential, People’s Bank, BGR Architects, Greenberg Media Management, Marsh & McLennan Agency, BASF, Lone Star State Bank, Betenbough Homes, United, Costco, and the South Plains Food Bank.

“This is a great opportunity to show our children that we truly care about them and that the community cares about them,” said McCord. “I want to give a big thank you to all the partners who help and support our kids and Frenship families.”

On day one, Frenship High School students with the Superintendents Student Advisory Board along with Frenship staff help sort and organize the food to make the bag packing process easier. The following day, Willow Bend Elementary Student Council fifth graders, Frenship staff, Rotary Club volunteers, and other community helpers pack the food into more than 500 backpacks. To wrap up the event, Frenship’s maintenance and ground crews help deliver the backpacks to campuses across the district before the winter break begins.

“My favorite part is just the ability to give back to the community in such an amazing way and especially help kids across our district who are less fortunate,” said Frenship High School senior Andrew Narvais. “It’s a great way to give back this Christmas season.”