Spreading Summer Smiles

As kids, many of us looked forward to the sweet sweet summer break. Those few months gave us a reprieve from school. However, there are some kids that will miss going to class because for many kids in low income homes attending Title I schools, school is one of the only times they will receive food. Chefs for Kids’ Holiday Helpings initiative aims to provide food assistance to children and their families during the holiday break. 

This week, our teachers and chef volunteers gathered to stuff 111 bags of goodies that were delivered to the entire 5th grade at Sandy Miller ES. The bag was filled with nutritional handouts and food to help provide healthy summer treats. Plus a summer fun activity surprise!

The bags were beach themed with instructions on how to turn the included produce into some seaside friends like fish, octopus, crab, etc. Also included was a beach ball to help encourage healthy, active play. Recipients were given a list of fun activities to write on each panel of the beach ball. When they toss the ball in the air, they do the activity which their hands land on. Activities included: jump like a dolphin, crawl like a crab, etc. As with every Holiday Helpings bag, a grocery gift card was included.

Download the Flyer in English & Spanish

We know we can’t help everyone, and we can’t help all the time – but every little bit counts. If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, our friends at Three Square Las Vegas are hosting Pop-Up TEFAP Food Distribution events throughout the valley through the end of July. Families who are eligible for assistance through The Emergency Food Assistance Program can pick up food at one of their distribution events.

As we wrap up another school year, we want to give a sincere thank you to all of our sponsors who helped launch the Holiday Helpings initiative including: Palms Resort & Casino/San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, MGM Resorts International, Verizon, Rotary Club of Las Vegas Summerlin, Speedway Children’s Charities, and Southwest Gas. Because of your support, we were able to provide 501 bags that equated to 2,004 meal/snack opportunities for food insecure children in Southern Nevada.

Some of these families also wanted to express their gratitude:

“I just want to write this to whom it may concern. Thank you so much for this help for our Thanksgiving dinner. This really means so much to us. God bless you so so much and we really appreciate it. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you again.” – Trujillo Family

“Thank you for your support of each child, especially my children. Thank you very much, may you all be blessed.” – Maldonado-Murcia Family

“Thank you, it is a help for me and my family, especially in these times when everything is very expensive. Thank you so much.” – Ordonez Gutierrez Family

“Thank you for this card. This really helps my and my children. I’m 100% thankful that me and my children were chosen for this.” – Araiza Family 

If you’d like to support spreading more smiles next, make a donation in any amount today!