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Spreading cheer & helping others Honeywell Foundation, The Paper team up to help Blessings in a Backpack By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Since the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, officials with the Blessings in a Backpack program in Wabash has noticed an increase in the number of students served. Because of that, they began looking for various avenues to help raise funds to purchase food distributed to about 600 students weekly to make sure they have the needed nourishment for the weekend. To help that cause, the Honeywell Foundation and The Paper of Wabash County have joined forces with Blessings to offer Christmas cards featuring the artwork from area students submitted to Honeywell for its annual Christmas banner contest. A package of 14 cards and envelopes featuring the artwork will be available at The Paper’s office. The cost is $15 per package. The package features winning artwork from the various schools participating in the program. “We’ve noticed an increase need for our Blessings students,” Wabash program director Megan Henderson said. “Just with COVID and the current situation, more families are needing assistance. We were trying to brainstorm fundraising ideas, ways to raise more money so we could provide food for those extra students. “A couple of years ago, my daughter made some cards to help with a charity in Taiwan. It was successful, so I reached out to Erica Tyson at Southwood Elementary about maybe making cards to sell. She directed me to Teresa Galley with the Honeywell winter art contest.” Galley called the program “a great way to
share out the students’ amazing artwork in a meaningful way. At the Honeywell Foundation we know that the arts are essential in people’s lives. “(This year) has taken its toll on all of us in so any negative ways. If sharing the students’ art in this way lifts the spirits of our community and also benefits the children in Wabash County in an important way, we are happy to be Olivia H., Heartland Career Center, School Olivia H., Home School, 1st Grade Winner, 12th Grade, Honeywell Winter Honeywell Winter Banner Contest involved.” Banner Contest This is the first time Honeywell has helped a local non-profit with a program such as this. “We were thrilled to support such an important local organization,” Galley said. “A big part of the Honeywell Foundation Educational Outreach program involves bringing arts education residencies into the schools. We are in the classroom on many Fridays when students are receiving their Blessing bags. The children are so excited and we know the positive impact this program has for families who are food insecure.” With Honeywell on board, Henderson then reached out to The Paper owner Don Hurd about producing the cards. “When I first thought of this, I was kind of overwhelmed thinking about ordering, getting the orders, dealing with the people who paid … it was just overwhelming,” Henderson said. “I’m thankful that Don and The Paper can help us out with the ordering and taking care of all of that. “Teresa and Don got on board right away.” Hurd said, “I didn’t hesitate one second to help with the Blessings in a Backpack holiday card project. I felt it was such a great idea that The Paper needed to be a part of it. The children’s artwork is just amazing. If you need holiday Continued on Page 11
Natalie M., St. Bernard Elementary, School Mia F., Wabash Middle School, School Winner, 1st Grade, Honeywell Winter Banner Winner, 6th Grade, Honeywell Winter Banner Contest Contest
Lola W., Southwood Elementary, School Kyra A., Sharp Creek Elementary, School Katherine G., Compass Rose Academy, Emmy C., Home School, Grade 10, Best Use Avery D., Manchester Elementary, School Winner, 6th Grade, Honeywell Winter Banner Winner, 5th Grade, Honeywell Winter Banner School Winner, 11th Grade, Honeywell of Theme Winner, Honeywell Winter Banner Winner, 1st Grade, Honeywell Winter Banner Contest Contest Winter Banner Contest Contest Contest
December 2, 2020
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Vol. 43, No. 37