Feeding young minds, bodies

Friday, members of the Altrusa club met at Washington School and Inman Primary to read to the children attending the summer lunch program. The volunteers had donated 226 bags of groceries so that each child could take a bag home. Each child was able to choose a book to take home, also.

“We are feeding minds and bodies today,” Altrusa member Sarah Crisp said.

The day was important because it was the last day of the summer lunch program. Altrusa members wanted to help find a way to bridge the gap between Aug. 4 and the Aug. 23 start of regular classes.

“We are concerned that with the end of the program, some children will not have enough to eat,” Altrusa member Evon Carlson said.

The grocery bags the children received contained a variety of easy-to-make meals and nutritious snacks.

Altrusa is an international service organization with a strong emphasis on literacy.

According to Abby Couse, the local Altrusa president, this is the first year of reading to the children during summer lunch, but they have donated books before. The volunteers raise money through a variety of fundraisers, including volunteering at the movie theater.

Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at a different location. If anyone is interested in becoming a member contact Abby Couse, or any member of Altrusa.