Blessings in a Backpack asks for donations with more than 1,400 students at risk of being cut from program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nonprofit group Blessings in a Backpack issued an urgent call on Thursday.

The Louisville-based national organization, which makes sure kids have food over the weekend, needs a blessing of its own.

The group said 14 schools, more than 1,400 children, in the Louisville area are in danger of being eliminated from the program over a lack of funding.

"At a time when inflation is causing more kids to need Blessings bags, it's also causing a decline in charitable giving," the nonprofit said in a news release on Thursday.

The nonprofit sends almost 7,000 Louisville children spanning 55 schools home with bags of food for the weekend.

Engelhard Elementary student Ibrahim Hassan is one of those students who receives blessing bags.

"When it's Friday you can see everybody's smile when they get their Blessing," said Hassan.

For many kids the program means the difference between coming back to school on Monday with a full stomach or an empty one.

"We have to meet their basic needs before we can worry about teaching them," said Dr. Ryan McCoy, the principal at Engelhard Elementary.

Engelhard Elementary is not one of the 14 schools that is being in danger of being eliminated. The organization is not releasing the names of the impacted schools until all parents are informed.

"I can't imagine looking at my students and telling them they aren't getting a blessing," said Dr. McCoy

But, McCoy sympathizes with the teachers who have to tell the news to students and parents.

Blessings in a Backpack is asking for donations and corporate sponsors to ensure it can feed as many students as possible in the second half of the school year.

It costs $150 to sponsor a child for the remainder of the school year.

"Our unwavering commitment is to feed hungry kids — this vision remains steadfast. This year has been nothing short of challenging. While we find ourselves in the difficult position of having to make cuts to our program, we've seen firsthand the transformative impact this program has on local children. It's a lifeline for them," Kim Holsclaw, managing director of the Louisville Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, said in a news release. "We are doing everything in our power to prevent additional cuts and ensure that the invaluable support we provide continues without interruption."

To donate to Blessings in a Backpack's Louisville Chapter, or for more information about how you can help or volunteer, click here.