Lifeways for Kids continues mission

Charlotte Lapp, who coordinates the Lifeways for Kids program, which provides weekend food blessings for elementary school students who qualify for free and reduced-cost lunches in Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), is not one to mince words about the situation the program faced in early 2023. "We crashed financially," said Charlotte, noting that during the COVID-19 shutdown, the program lost touch with area donors and nearly ran out of funds.

Fortunately, the solution was communication. Charlotte, who works with assistant coordinator Darlene Lapp on the project, connected with PVSD social workers to explain the program, and the fluctuating numbers of food packages requested evened out at about 80. Lapp and others interested in the program began connecting to local businesses and local representatives of national chains, and the funds began to come in. Lapp also reached out to churches connected to The Factory Ministries. "They are interested in being part of (meeting) the needs of the community," said Charlotte. "Now I have a list of churches I can contact."

Within a month, the program had raised enough to finish the year. "Now we are securing funds for the '23-24 school year," said Charlotte, who has begun speaking to churches and local civic groups, taking along a food pack to show audience members the types of food items sent home.

As part of the program, volunteers from about five area churches gather at Ridgeview Mennonite Church, 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville, each Wednesday at 9 a.m. from October through the end of the school year to pack the bags of food to be sent home on weekends with children who attend Salisbury or Paradise elementary schools. Lifeways for Kids provides sustainable, supplemental food for area students. Lapp works to keep the food provided by Lifeways at a certain nutritional standard. Regularly included items may be macaroni and cheese, microwavable meals, soup, noodle dishes, juice, applesauce, granola bars, crackers and cheese, popcorn, and hot chocolate. The program also provides hygiene kits, which include a new towel, a hairbrush, a bar of soap, a container of shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. At Christmas, a blanket, a pair of sweatpants, and two pairs of socks are given to each participating child.

Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand the program. Working with representatives of the Braves Learning Center, located in The Together Community Center, Lifeways is working to plan a back-to-school event in August. "It will be more than backpacks and school supplies," said Charlotte. "It will be a free clothing giveaway." Charlotte noted that a number of pieces of new clothing items have been donated, along with brand-name shoes. In addition to clothing, personal hygiene items and free haircuts are scheduled to be part of the giveaway.

"What we need now is financial support," said Charlotte, adding that gift cards that can be used at any store are helpful so she can shop anywhere for the program.

Volunteers who pack the food spend about an hour a week putting packs together and preparing for the next week's work. Individuals who would like to volunteer may just come to Ridgeview Mennonite at the appointed time or call 717-768-3371 with any questions.