Frank Allis Weekend Backpack Food Program Features "First Fridays"

By Pastor Lex Liberatore, Lake Edge UCC and LENA member

Last month a new neighborhood effort was announced to support our most vulnerable students and families at Frank Allis Elementary School. A joint effort will provide non-perishable food to up to 60 students each weekend (more by Fall). The first scheduled delivery is Friday, January 27. This program, led by Lake Edge United Church of Christ (4200 Buckeye Road), Zion Lutheran Church (Atwood Ave @ Linden Ave) and Frank Allis School Administration, will help some 60 students each week.
 
More than just food security, we want to build community. Beginning in March, a monthly First Friday meal will be offered without cost (a free will offering will be taken). First Fridays support our neighbors, and we mean anybody. Anyone in our school community and neighborhood, whether your budget is tight or not, can come and enjoy a hot meal and time together. First Fridays will give parents a break, give children a chance to run around and have fun, help us pack the next weeks food bags, and most important, give all of us time to talk. If our neighborhood can better understand each other, we can create a real sense of hope and connection. To find out more about First Fridays or the backpack program, or to find out how you can help out, contact Pastor Lex Liberatore, 608-222-8668 or email at pastor@lakeedge.org. The First Fridays program will officially begin Friday, March 3 at 5:00pm at Lake Edge church, across from Frank Allis Elementary School.