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IN THE MEDIA: Summer snack program going on now

From the East Texas Review:

Buckner Joins Forces with 200 Volunteers to Feed Hope, Fight Hunger

Buckner Children and Family Services is partnering with local volunteers to host “Summer Fun,” a free snack program designed to bridge the hunger gap and build relationships with underprivileged children and families within the Longview community.

From June 16 – July 30, more than 200 volunteers from six local churches and organizations will dedicated their summers to ensure that every child in need ages 18 and younger has the opportunity to receive a free snack from 11 a.m. until noon at two program distribution sites found at the Belaire Manor Apartments located at 1501 East Young Street on Tuesdays through Thursdays and Spring Hill Leader Core Park located at 3513 Denson Drive on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The program anticipates serving more than 50 children daily. All of the snacks that will be distributed have been donated by local volunteers and organizations who will also be serving. In addition to the snacks, children have the opportunity to participate in daily volunteer-led games and activities designed to help build mentor relationships. Nursing students from UT Tyler-Longview will also provide free health education and assessments for children and parents each Wednesday at the Belaire Manor Apartment site.

The snack program serves children in low-income communities who participate in free and reduced feeding programs during the school year. Since these programs are only available during the school year, the snack program helps fill that hunger gap ensuring that children continue to receive nutritious snacks throughout the summer.

“At Buckner we exist to serve vulnerable children and families,” said Jane Ann Crowson, program director for the Buckner Family Hope Center of Longview. “Hungry children are some of the most vulnerable and we are grateful to be able to meet that basic need as well as build relationships with the entire family. The Summer Fun snack program opens doors that will help us engage with individuals and strengthen families.”

Buckner has been serving vulnerable children and families in Northeast Texas since 1992. Last year, Buckner served more than 9,166 individuals through foster care and adoption programs, after-school programing, Niños de Promesa in Tyler, Texas, and the Family Hope Center. The Family Hope Center provides programs such as, case management services, parenting education, Jobs for Life, and client assistance. Buckner is also home to more than 175 seniors at Westminster Place, a senior living community that provides a continuum of care which includes independent living, assisted living, and advanced memory care.

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