Waste-Free Lunch Gear for Kids in Need

In August 2010, we were inspired by our own kids' back-to-school lists to make a donation of $500 worth of waste-free lunch gear to a school in need. We asked our blog readers and Facebook fans to nominate schools, and we were touched by all of the heartfelt messages we received.

One message in particular, from teacher Crystal Strock of Loughman Oaks Elementary in Polk County, Florida, really stood out. She wrote:

"Our school is roughly 800 students today (this number has ranged between 700 and over 1,100 in my time here). More than 70% of our students are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. We have a paraprofessional affectionately known as 'Momma Gail' who helps supply families in our community with food, clothes and books when they are in need. She even has board games that families can check out, so they can spend quality time together. Gail spends all of her weekends and summers hitting up thrift stores and businesses looking for donations to help our families."

With that, we decided to send $500 worth of waste-free lunch gear to the kids at Loughman Oaks school. We received many nominations, and know there are still countless schools that could use help getting lunch supplies to their kids. We encourage our customers to consider adding an extra lunch bag, spork, or set of napkins to their school purchases. Even one lunch bag can make a difference. Crystal explains:

"These children are from low income families, some may not get shiny new things very often. This would mean so much to them and be a wonderful way to get them excited about reusing and reducing daily trash."

Giving back is core to our mision. To date, we've donated more than $200,000 to like-minded organizations. Learn more.

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