GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kids' Food Basket (KFB) is launching its Brown Bag Decorating Month and hopes to receive 100,000 bags from community members.
The organization uses these bags when providing 10,000 meals a day meals to children across West Michigan.
These meals are distributed to children in Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Kent counties. Organizers say those children are always thrilled to see how their bags are decorated.
"When kids are reminded that they are cared for through something like a decorated bag, it adds to their feeling of safety and security, which we know is necessary for learning and development," said KFB Founder Bridget Clark Whitney. "We constantly hear that when Sack Suppers arrive, the first thing that kids check for is whether they are decorated. Whether the decoration is a punny joke, a flower or a cartoon, each decorated bag can brighten a child's day."
What you need to participate
According to KFB, you need:
- Brown or white 4, 6, 8 lb. or extra-large size brown or white paper sacks
- Crayons or markers
What you need to know
- Avoid using paint, glitter, feathers or stickers, as they can come off in food that will be packed into the bags.
- Cannot contain religious or political messages
Decorated bags can be dropped off or mailed in to any of KFB's locations during open hours:
- Kent County - 1300 Plymouth Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
- Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ottawa and Allegan counties - 652 Hastings Ave., Holland, MI 49423
- Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Muskegon County - 1537 S. Getty St., Muskegon, MI 49442
- Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, click here.