From the Schools We Serve
Voices of Impact: Real Stories from Our Weekend Bag Community
Read the full-length testimonials from from partners and educators who have experienced the transformative power of the Weekend Bag Program. Join their stories by getting involved today.
"Families at Merriam Avenue school cannot express enough how grateful they are for the Weekend bag program. They have been so accommodating in making sure the specific items in the bags meet our families needs. They are always willing to help in any way they can if we have a family in need of other items as well. They are a pleasure to work with and it is obvious that every person who shares responsibility in the program genuinely cares. This is a wonderful program and it is so nice to see Isobel's family and additional students stepping up to help the community when she is away at college. Thank you so much for all that you do for our families!"
"We have been so grateful for your willingness to help us support our students and families. Food insecurity often flies under the radar as kids and parents are too embarrassed to share that they are struggling with the basics. It's taken a few months to get rolling with our program here, but finally, with reassurance that everything is confidential and free, we are reaching our most vulnerable students.
We admire your volunteers' hard work to bring this program to us and appreciate your donors who make this happen financially. Just wanted you to know the impact you are making and how thankful we are at Sussex Technical High School."
"The Weekend Bag Program has made an impact on the families in need at our Preschool Center. At Head Start, we serve some of the most vulnerable families within the community. Our families who receive the bags are continuously grateful for the help it provides. The parents, and the children, are excited to see what's inside the bag each week. Many of the parents have stated that "this is exactly what my child likes to eat" and "my child loves these snacks". The children get excited to grab a bag for their parents and try to carry it themselves (even though it's far too heavy for little ones). The smiles on their faces as they take a bag and thank me, say it all. That's why I want to send the biggest thank you to the program, its volunteers, and its donors, for making sure no student is left without food over the weekend. Programs like this are what make a difference in someone's life! We look forward to this collaboration continuing with The Weekend Bag Program for the upcoming school year!"
"Hello from Northern Hills Academy!
The Weekend Bag Program has been a tremendous success for our students. We are a small school community of just 50 students, and 14 of them currently receive Weekend Bags. For a population our size, that represents a significant number of families who benefit from a little extra support, and we are incredibly grateful to know these children are going home with nutritious food for the weekend.
What makes this program especially meaningful for our students is the thoughtful selection of items included in each bag. Not only are the foods kid-friendly, but they are also foods that many of our special needs students are happy and willing to eat — something that can often be difficult to achieve.
This program truly brings peace of mind to families during financially challenging times and helps ensure our students head into the weekend with full and happy bellies."
"As a teacher, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible impact the Weekend Bag Program has had on our students and school community. For many children, weekends can bring uncertainty about having enough to eat or whether they will have access to basic necessities. This program quietly steps in to fill those gaps with compassion, dignity, and care.
Each week, students receive bags filled not only with snacks and food items, but also hygiene products that many families struggle to afford. What may seem like a small gesture to some has made an enormous difference in the lives of our students.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Weekend Bag Program is the way it is handled with such sensitivity and anonymity. Students are able to receive support without feeling embarrassed, singled out, or different from their peers. That dignity matters so much, especially for children and teenagers who are already navigating so many social pressures.
It is also heartwarming to see how excited students are to receive their bags each week. Their smiles and gratitude speak volumes. For many of them, these bags represent more than food and supplies — they represent comfort, security, and the knowledge that people truly care about them.
As educators, we know that students cannot fully succeed academically when they are worried about hunger or basic needs. The Weekend Bag Program helps remove those barriers and gives our students the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. I am deeply grateful for this program and the positive difference it continues to make in the lives of our children every single week."
It is my pleasure to share with you the many ways that The Weekend Bag has supported our students and their families over the years here at Sussex Tech. We started receiving bags quite by accident as the delivery volunteers came to our school rather than the Charter School. We were told about the program, and they graciously let us keep the items to distribute to our students as needed. At that time, items came in boxes in bulk, and we shared what we had with students we thought might benefit. It was then that we created a sign-up for families to be part of this endeavor, and our Food Pantry was born!
Each week, without fail, the volunteers show up for our students, delivering easy-to-prepare meals that allow our students to go through the weekend with at least a little something to feed themselves. Some students, over the years, have shared that they don’t have access to a kitchen, but perhaps a microwave or hot plate, making the meals included each week was a breeze to manage.
We have also had students who unexpectedly stop using the program, but as a result, we shelve the extra items and allow students to “shop” for things they need. The most popular items are typically the hygiene things like soaps, shampoo, deodorant, and toilet paper, but they love the prepared meals in a can, the ramen noodles, and of course, the snacks and treats. Nothing goes to waste!
It is a comfort to the staff and faculty here, too, knowing that they can send a student over for food once it is discovered that they are food insecure. Sadly, most students don’t tell us until they are so desperate. Even though we send out information at the beginning of the school year and market it to our students, we are often surprised that kids don’t know about it. Once we find out, we tell them we received some extra items that we need to “get rid of,” and this seems to take away any stigma because now they are “helping us”. They take the food because we don’t want to waste it.
The Weekend Bag has enabled us to find new and innovative ways to reach students in a caring, supportive way that provides discretion and access to food. Keep up the work that you do! It makes all the difference!
"I was exposed to the Weekend Bag Program (WKBP) when my young adults from Jefferson Twp High School worked at AG Choice. AG Choice had partnered with The WKBP to offer a quiet space for young adults with sensory and specific needs to work at their own pace.
The program I run introduces young adults to the workforce and we evaluate the success which helps us make recommendations for programs/employment opportunities once they leave High School. The students I had working at AG Choice with the WKBP were my students that would need greater assistance when it comes to employment and I was learning what skills they possess. Through the weekend bag program, I saw skills and strengths in my young adults that I did not know they possessed. The tasks involved in the WKBP were perfect for them. The tasks allowed them to operate at their own space, allowed them to complete the tasks in any way they wanted to with getting to the same end goal and ultimately through making a visual checklist the students were able to complete these tasks almost 100% independently which gave them such a sense of pride! They look at the WKBP as their project and are delighted when they complete all 35 bags.
This current school year we stopped going to AG Choice and I struggled with finding more tasks similar to the ones the WKBP offered. I contacted AG Choice and asked for the contact information for The WKBP because I knew I wanted to work with them again. Dawn was the sweetest person to talk to and we found a way to keep my students involved that worked for everyone.
We love the work we do for the Weekend Bag, every volunteer we have interacted with has been such a pleasure and joy, we even upped the number of bags we do because the students were doing so well, and it's really a win-win for everyone.
I hope to continue this partnership with The WKBP and see how much we can accomplish working together."
"The Weekend Bag program is a great resource here at Montague Township School. We currently have 23 families who participate in the program each week, and they consistently express how appreciative they are to receive the extra support.
As Montague Township’s liaison for the program, I am very impressed with how well it is run. If there are ever any delays with food delivery to the school, the program staff always communicates with me promptly.
I cannot say enough positive things about this program and the impact it has on our families."
"As a teacher at Florence M. Burd, I can say without hesitation that the Weekend Bag Program is something we simply could not live without. Each week, this program provides food for more than 40 of our students, ensuring they have nourishment and support beyond the school day. For many of our families, these bags make the difference between having enough and going without.
The impact goes far beyond food. Time and time again, teachers come to us asking if we have extra soap, deodorant, toilet paper, or other basic necessities for students in need. The Weekend Bag Program steps in quietly and compassionately to meet those needs. I will never forget overhearing a student say, “I can’t wait to go home and share this with my family.” That moment captured exactly what this program means — dignity, relief, and hope.
The care and dedication behind this program are extraordinary. At the beginning of each school year, students receive back-to-school kits filled with pencils, crayons, markers, and other supplies so they can start the year prepared and confident. In the winter months, hats and gloves are provided to ensure our children stay warm. The time, energy, and financial commitment poured into this program reflect a deep and genuine commitment to our students’ well-being.
The Weekend Bag Program does more than provide food and supplies — it shows our students and families that they are seen, supported, and valued. It is an essential part of our school community, and we are profoundly grateful for the difference it makes every single week."
"The Weekend Bag Program is an incredible asset to students because it helps ensure they have access to nutritious food outside of school hours. For many children, school meals may be their primary source of consistent nutrition during the week, and weekends can become a time of uncertainty. This program helps bridge that gap by providing students with meals and snacks they can rely on, allowing them to return to school on Monday healthier, focused, and ready to learn.
Beyond meeting physical needs, the program also supports students emotionally by reducing stress and worry for both children and their families. Knowing that support is available fosters a sense of care, dignity, and community. The Weekend Bag Program demonstrates that the school and community are invested in the well-being and success of every student, making it a truly meaningful and impactful resource.
The Charter School currently has 20 families that benefit from the weekly bags. Students are in 6th, 7th, and/or 8th grades. While most referrals come from parents, we have had students asking for the bags themselves. This shows how important and necessary this program is."
Student Testimonials
These are some testimonials from students from Green Hills School who are in the Junior National Honor Society. This club comes to volunteer a couple of times a year as a group. This is what the students involved have to say about the program.
"The Weekend Bag Program helps so many families in our community. And we are happy to be part of helping!"
"We are so lucky to have the Weekend Bag Program in our town. They help so many people!"
"The best way to help our community is to give back as much as possible. That’s exactly what The Weekend Bag Program does, and I am so lucky to bring awareness and support to a program that does so much for so many people."