‘Turkey Totes’ blesses Fort Wayne children this giving season

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Blessings in a Backpack launches their annual Thanksgiving-themed bags for kids dealing with food-insecurity.

The "Turkey Totes" program is back for another season to bring children in need the food items they deserve this Thanksgiving season.

Blessings in a Backpack accepts non-perishable foods, such as healthier snack options, and treats that kids can indulge in. The program packs bags with several options that they distribute to families that suffer from food-insecurity in the Fort Wayne community.

Jama Ross, executive director of Blessings in a Backpack, said over 70% of kids in our community are food-insecure and are in need of easily-accessible foods options.

The program has drop-off/pick-up options as a means of accepting donations.

Leaders partnered with several local Starbucks franchises around the area that accept donated food items. They said they encourage people to drop off anytime, which will then be used from the donations to distribute in the food packs sent to children.

The 'Turkey Totes' include holiday favors to celebrate the season, as well as personable touches such as handwritten notes of encouragement.

Ross said these extra Thanksgiving additions to the bags "remind kids that they are not alone, and that we are sitting with them at the table this holiday."

The program has needed items for kids on their 'Turkey Totes' Amazon Wishlist, where people can donate to.