Staunton bake sale to benefit children in need

Over the last eight years, the community has been making a difference in the lives of teenaged girls through the All Girl Conference, a program sponsored by Staunton Parks and Recreation and designed to help empower area teenaged girls.

Through workshops, inspirational speakers, and donations the community has helped to meet the needs of local middle and high school girls using the All Girl Conference as its vehicle. This year the All Girl Conference is centered on giving back to the community, using the theme VOLUNTEERING! During this school year, participants have volunteered more than 84 hours at places like the Valley Mission, Staunton Public Library and Project Grows!

On Saturday, Dec. 12, Staunton Parks and Recreation and the All Girl Conference is hosting a bake sale fundraiser at the Booker T. Washington Community Center, and all proceeds will benefit Staunton City Schools’ students in need. The funds collected will help to ensure that all kids can afford to enjoy breakfast and lunch at school. For many students, the breakfast and lunch served at school are their primary sources of nutrition. Studies show that a nutritious breakfast and lunch can improve a student’s test scores and overall mental and physical health.

Amanda Warren, Staunton City Schools’ nutrition supervisor, recently said: “Currently, the household application process for the USDA’s free and reduced price school meals uses income eligibility guidelines that follow the federal poverty guidelines. We know that these unvarying income thresholds do not always capture the truest economic standing of families across regions and localities, nor does it include other undocumented circumstances, which means that some families who might be in need of assistance with school meal costs may not qualify through the application process. With the help of periodic donations from anonymous citizens and charitable groups, we have been able to help families on a case-by-case basis experiencing hardship. However, we do not have a program in place at this time that could regularly supplement families who do not qualify for assistance, but find themselves in need. We are so pleased to be considered in these efforts.”

The fundraising goal for this event is to exceed $2,000. As the adage goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and community donations will be vital in helping to reach the goal and support area youth. All are encouraged to stop by the Booker T. Washington Community Center on Dec. 12 to purchase baked goods from some of Staunton’s finest bakers. Guests may also enjoy a Christmas card-making station, utilizing an extensive stamp collection to create fun and unique cards.

Those interested in donating to the cause may write checks to Staunton City Schools Nutrition Program and mail them to Staunton Parks and Recreation, C/O All Girl Conference, P.O. Box 58, Staunton, VA 24402.