Blessings in a Backpack, re-branded as Isthmus in Canada as of summer 2017, is a unique program designed to support school children who simply do not have enough to eat on weekends. There are families who struggle with hunger and rely on food banks and other resources during the week, but there are those who cannot satisfy weekend needs. This is where Blessings in a Backpack/Isthmus steps in. Kids take home a backpack filled with food every Friday and return the backpack empty on Monday ready to start their week. How does this simple act help? The benefits and impact are immediate. Attendance and productivity soar. Students report greater attentiveness and improved energy, while teachers see improvements in study habits.

I am so happy to be able to help kids in my community through Isthmus and I am honoured to be active in this wonderful organization. They offer a simple and effective way to ensure kids come to school on Monday ready for the week ahead. Every child in Canada deserves that support.

As a writer, I have been lucky enough to interview Hilary Duff and Stan Curtis on two occasions about the fabulous Blessings program. When Hilary was in Toronto in 2009, I heard her speak about the need for more backpacks and I was inspired to organize a backpack drive at my school. I promoted it in every manner I could think of! In the end I was so happy to be able to personally deliver 188 backpacks to a local school.

After finishing my 2009 backpack raiser, collecting backpacks became an obsession and I decided to continue collecting backpacks. In 2010 I collected 210 backpacks on behalf of the program as well as several generous monetary donations. Check out the program at www.isthmus.ca or www.blessingsinabackpack.org.

I have published the following articles about Blessings in a Backpack/Isthmus:

Give Back With The Giveback Pack – December 4, 2014 Blog

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Volunteer Spotlight: Victoria G-C (A Caring Heart in Mississauga) – February 7, 2012 Blog

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Volunteer Spotlight: Grace Broadley – June 22, 2011 Blog

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Blessings in a Backpack – September 15, 2010 Blog

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Blessings Come To Canada – May 2009 Published Article

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Hilary Duff: How She Makes A Difference! – November 2007 Published Article

Also posted on hilaryduff.com