California area residents took the challenge very seriously this year according to Nancy Schatzer organizer of Pack the Bus for Buddy Packs. Residents turned out with giving hearts Dec. 9-11 and made very generous donations to help fight hunger in California schools.
According to the MFA scales a total of 640 pounds of food was collected for the worthy cause along with $225.46 to purchase items for the Buddy Packs.
Schatzer was overwhelmed by the generosity of California, "I am thrilled! Our community is so caring and compassionate to assist these children with food for the holidays. I never thought we would collect this much, it is the most ever and I am so thankful." Schatzer is already thinking ahead for future needs and is considering more ways to help stamp hunger out of the California schools.
The California Bus Barn employees along with Durham School Services had challenged California residents to pack a school bus with can goods and non-perishable food items to be placed in buddy packs for students who are in need of food for the holidays.
The bus was parked at C&R Market, Cal's Thriftway and on the circle drive at the elementary school where area residents could easily make donations.