ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

In early 2009, a small group of Brookings residents, many of whom were members of the Brookings United Church of Christ, started to explore the feasibility of a local ‘backpack’ program.

As the vision moved toward reality, the group met with officials from both the Brookings Public Schools and Brookings Head Start, who enthusiastically agreed to be partners in the project. In 2011 the summer program was added.

The organization continued to prosper under the umbrella of the United Church of Christ and as it grew, it transitioned into an independent Non-profit in August of 2016. Although there have been numerous changes throughout the years, the common goal has always been to provide healthy snacks and easy to fix meals for children, so no child goes to bed hungry!

In 2018 Sioux Valley Schools was added to the list of children served, and 2019 added the Elkton School district to those receiving assistance.

After many moves to different spots, we currently are in our “forever” home. We are fortunate to be included in the planning of the new United Way Center at 908 Hope Drive and invite all to stop by and visit and learn more about what and why we do what we do.

MEET THE TEAM

Brookings Backpack Project (9) Sdshp Dropbox

Cathy Ching

Executive Director

 

Raeann Resized

RaeAnn Thompson

Food & Volunteer
Project Coordinator

Board Members Photo

MEET THE Board

Sandy Vanderlugt

Chairman of Board

Megan Madsen

Board Secretary

Darlene Dokken

Board Member

Seth Sayler

Vice Chair of Board

Chad Adamson

School Liason

Ali Teesdale

Board Member

Jessica McGeHee

Board Treasurer

Linda Kampmann

Board Member

Kim Gustafson

Board Member

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