There are many nonprofit organizations in Bradenton and the surrounding area. Each one is doing incredible work to support our community by helping those less fortunate, promoting the arts, providing education, and more.
During our nonprofit spotlight series, we’ll highlight information about a different local nonprofit each week. This week, we were thrilled to chat with The Blessing Bags Project to learn more about their mission and how we can help. Here’s what they had to say.
Can you tell us a little bit about your mission and how you help to support our community?
We provide basic, critical needs to the homeless and less fortunate.
Who do you serve and why?
We serve the homeless and less fortunate every Friday morning with a hot meal and food for the weekend. We average over 125 each week and the numbers are growing.
Can you describe a few of your key programs?
Every Friday morning at 8 am, we hit the streets and distribute food, sandwiches, hygiene items, etc. to those in need. We always work in teams and welcome volunteers.
We’ve also launched Lunches with Love, a “Pay it Forward Project” where you pay for children’s school lunches in Manatee County who don’t qualify for free lunches. (non title one schools) – This program blesses families that are struggling financially. All donations will be matched from $5 and up to $500. Donations can be a one time donation or monthly pledge. Learn more about donations here.
Here is the lunch breakdown.
Elementary Kids – $2.75 per day / $13.75 per week / $55.00 per month
High School Kids – $3.00 per day / $15.00 per week / $60.00 per month
What’s the best way our community can help?
Volunteers are always welcome to join us. Donations of food and water are also welcome, as are monetary donations. In addition, we appreciate donations of variety boxes of chips, prepared cold sandwiches, individual juices, individually wrapped baked sweets, and fresh fruits. Learn more about how you can get involved.
What else do you want us to know?
The Blessing Bags Project also holds an amazing Christmas party for special needs children. We partner with many non-profits and also help women in recovery.
To learn more about The Blessing Bags Project, visit TheBlessingBagsProject.org. You can also follow us on Facebook, or contact betsyplante@aol.com.
At Discover Bradenton, we love supporting our local nonprofits! Explore more incredible charitable organizations in our Nonprofit Directory.
Want to get your nonprofit featured on Discover Bradenton? Get started here.
