Come cheer on our Panthers at any home game, and help feed students at risk for hunger! The Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School, George L. Cooke Elementary School and Emma C. Chase Elementary School backpack programs are seeking donations for their backpack program at all home games, or through our backpack program coordinators.
While all students in the MCSD receive free breakfast and lunch each school day, many of our district families struggle to feed their children when school is not in session. The backpack programs help to feed MCSD elementary students who are at risk for hunger. Students who participate in the program receive a back pack filled with food each Friday to sustain them over the weekend.
Each program is accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries and gift cards. Please contact the coordinators below to donate, or bring a can of soup or vegetables to any home game. (See our sports schedule here)
Please contact the backpack program coordinator at the appropriate school with any questions.
Cooke Backpack Coordinator: Joana Dutcher jdutcher@k12mcsd.net
KLR Backpack Coordinator: Carolyn Rojas crojas@k12mcsd.net
Chase Backpack Coordinator: Rebecca Frey-Ramos rfreyramos@k12mcsd.net or Linda Nittoli lnittoli@k12mcsd.net
All donations are appreciated; here are some suggestions for items that are particularly helpful:
Canned food with a pull tab
- Boxes of mac and cheese
- Rice
- Snacks that are individually wrapped
- Oatmeal
- Canned fruits and veggies (with a pull tab)
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Toothbrushes
Thank you for your generosity!