Mert Christmann, Director of IMPACT Bethel, explained that they have added additional locations this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
She said that they usually serve 60 to 80 children a day between two locations, but this year they are expecting 200 to 250 children a day between six locations.
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The organization will hand out sack lunches from an IMPACT Bethel vehicle on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the locations listed below:
11 to 11:15 a.m. - Smith Park, 801 W. Jefferson St. in New Carlisle
11:30 to 11:45 a.m. - Cliffside Drive in New Carlisle, the former Park Layne Elementary School site
noon to 12:15 p.m. - Kennedy Drive in Medway
12:30-12:45 p.m. - Woodbury apartments, 3781 Woodbury Road in Medway
1 to 1:15 p.m. - Fairway Terrace Mobile Home Park, 12250 Lower Valley Pike in Medway
1:30 to 1:45 p.m. - Donnelsville Elementary, 150 E. Main St. in Donnelsville
Each lunch will include a sandwich, fruit or pudding cup, chips and a second lunch, like a macaroni and cheese cup or ravioli cup, to heat up the next day, Christmann explained.
“The need is there,” Christmann said. “I’ve been in the district my whole life. I see the need.”
Christmann explained that the program usually costs around $10,000 to $12,000 each year. She said this year they are expecting a “pretty big increase.”
The organization is funded through donations only, Christmann said. Individuals can make monetary donations or visit IMPACT Bethel’s Facebook page to shop via their Amazon or Sam’s Club wishlist.
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The summer lunch program will end on Friday, August 7 as children begin going back to school.
“We try to help in anyway we can,” Christmann said. “Thank you to everybody in the community that has donated and is there for the kids in this area.”
IMPACT Bethel recently created five free food pantries in Donnelsville, New Carlisle and Park Layne to give “extra help” to local families.
The pantries are located at the Donnelsville Post Office, Donnelsville Elementary School, Guiding Shepherd Christian School in New Carlise, New Carlisle Public Library and Park Layne Elementary School.
For more information search for IMPACT Bethel on Facebook or email the organization at maretta88@aol.com.
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