ROSENBERG, Texas – An organization in Fort Bend County is working to make sure no student is left hungry during spring break.
Each summer, winter and spring break, volunteers with Lunches of Love gather at First United Methodist Church in Rosenberg to make hundreds of sack lunches, which are then distributed to several pick up locations in the Richmond/Rosenberg area.
This week, about 75 volunteers worked two shifts to make and then hand out approximately 2,200 sack lunches. Shannon Aaron of Damon and her four children volunteer during each break.
Aaron said it is important for her children to realize how blessed they are and how they can help others who may not be as fortunate. Her children range in age from seven to 14.
"The younger kids can decorate the bags that the food goes in, the older ones can help assemble, my oldest son can help move boxes and crates. So we all play a role," said Aaron.
Lunches of Love is now in its fifth year. Founder Adriane Gray said the effort began as a ministry project at First UMC but Lunches of Love is now registered as a 501c3 organization.
Gray said the idea came from a conversation she and other women had during a Sunday school class several years back. Several of the women were teachers in Fort Bend County schools.
"They knew lots of children that were going home and not eating. And I thought, 'There's no way we have kids in our own backyard without anything to eat,'" said Gray.
Gray said the conversation caused her to research the issue. After she realized the women were correct, Lunches of Love was born.
During the organization's first winter break, the group distributed about 150 meals. Now, a typical summer session feeds approximately 2,600 children.
"It's just a very simple way for us to give back to the community and brighten these kiddos' days. We're not just giving them lunch, we are also giving them hope and love along with their lunches," said Gray.
Gray said each lunch costs the organization about seventy five cents, money that comes directly from the community.
"The community's generosity is what keeps us up and running," said Gray.
If you would like to donate money or volunteer with the organization, you can visit the Lunches of Love website or its Facebook page.