By Brenna Wiegand
Every Wednesday a small group of women at Silverton United Methodist Church meet to provide extra goodies for the kids of families served by Silverton Area Community Aid.
The church’s Friends Helping Friends, also known as the Snack Sack People, have decorated, filled and delivered some 35,000 bags to SACA since its inception in 2011.
“A group of us attended a conference at the KROC Center and were inspired to research a way to fill a need in our community,” Donna Eberle, group leader, said.
They settled on teaming up with the local food bank to augment the food boxes SACA distributes to local families needing assistance.
“We include a protein, carbohydrate and two fruits,” Eberle said. “For teens each bag includes a personal care item and younger kids get something fun like stickers, bubbles, chalk, crayons or play dough.”
The church also houses Silverton’s Community Transition Program (CTP), a post-high school program for students in special education ages 18-21 to assist them in learning important life skills like cooking, budgeting and how to live and work in the community.
Sometimes students help fill the sacks, while, in the classroom downstairs, CTP student Paulina Rubio Saavedra helps decorate 45 bags a week toward the effort.
“This mission could not have continued this long without the support and donations of the congregation, businesses, organizations and other community members,” Eberle said. “We pretty much depend on the kindness of others.”
Welcome donations include funds, healthy snacks, motel soaps and small toys for younger kids.
“We watch for sales at Costco and, if necessary, repackage the snacks in smaller bags,” Eberle said. “Ideas include peanut butter pretzels, unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, raisins, cereal, granola bars and crackers.”
Donations may be dropped off at the church, 203 W. Main St. For more information, call Silverton United Methodist Church, 503-873-6517.
