The VBCPS Fall Beach Bags food drive was a huge success, bringing in more than $8,000 in donations and six tons of food. The drive was co-hosted by VBCPS, the Virginia Beach Education Foundation, Pembroke Mall and WTKR News 3.
A key part of this success was the participation of staff and students and school sites. More than 70 schools hosted Beach Bags drives to help support the program, and the donation boxes were overflowing.
Now heading into its 10th year, the Beach Bags program provides meals and healthy snacks to hundreds of elementary, middle and high school students who may not otherwise have access during weekends and school vacations. Donated food is packed by volunteers and distributed to participating schools throughout the year.
Beach Bags is supported entirely through donations from school groups, civic organizations, faith-based groups, military commands, business leaders and community members. All monetary donations go to purchasing food for the Beach Bags program—no administrative fees are removed from Beach Bags donations. Every $3 donated provides a Beach Bag for a child in need.
Of course, the need is ongoing here in Virginia Beach. For those still looking for a way to help, consider the following:
• Donate items. Shelf-stable food may be dropped off year-round at the School Administration Building (2512 George Mason Drive, Building 6).
• Make a tax-deductible donation to the Virginia Beach Education Foundation for the Beach Bags program at www.vbef.org.
• Volunteer to pack Beach Bags throughout the year.
• Coordinate Beach Bags Food Drives and/or volunteer during a VBCPS Beach Bag Food Drive.
Contact the Office of Community Engagement at 757-263-1936, email beachbags@vbschools.com or visit the Beach Bags program for more information.