The Sequim Valley Lions Club recently donated $1,500 to the Sequim Food Bank to help support the Weekend Meal Bag Program that feeds needy and hungry children in our community.

Food bank executive director Andra Smith said, “The program began as a way of ensuring children in Sequim have access to food on weekends. Each bag contains an array of nutritious food including oatmeal, cereal, milk, and fresh fruit. On average, we distribute 130 bags to local school campuses as well as the Boys and Girls Club. This past summer the food bank began collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club so these kids will have access to healthy food all year long.”

“No one,” she added, “should go hungry in our community … especially a kid.”

A spokesman for the Lions club added, “Most people are unaware of the large number of needy kids living in our community. Many of these children qualify for free or reduced-price meals while attending school, but there are no federal or state programs that address the almost 150 needy kids that our local schools have identified as being at-risk during the weekend or during school vacations.”

“For many of these youngsters, when they go home, they have little or nothing to eat.”

“This is why the Lions club made this $1,500 donation. We encourage other organizations, service clubs and businesses in our community to join us in this worthy effort. Hungry, needy children depend on your help. Please join us!” said the Lion’s spokesman.

The Lions club meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Paradise Restaurant, 703 N. Sequim Ave. Call 360-477-4552 or find the group on Facebook for more information.