Volunteers gather at Waypoint Church for National Blessings in a Backpack Day to kick off a new year of helping students. Photo by Phil Custodio

BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
A Dixie Highway building formerly used to service cars now serves hundreds of local students in need.
Clarkston Blessings in a Backpack will fill the renovated building, now Waypoint Church, with food for 350 children each weekend for 40 weeks, starting last Friday, National Blessings in a Backpack Day.
“Even during snow storms,” said Terry Porritt, in her second year as co-chair, along with Barb Rush.
Volunteers pack six meals each weekend for students in all 11 Clarkston school buildings.
“Breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Porritt said. “We’re lucky here in Clarkston, to receive additional food above the national menu through fund raising.”
“It’s great for our kids, wonderful to have for the kids and all the volunteers,” said Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock at the Sept. 16 kickoff.
“The results of what you do are staggering,” said Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle, who was also invited to the packing session.
Students qualify for Blessings in a Backpack through the free and reduced price lunch program – 1,400 are eligible, Porritt said.
Waypoint Church, which hosts Blessings in a Backpack, converted the former Saturn dealership at 8400 Dixie Highway into a worship and community center two years ago.
“I love it – it involves a lot of community groups and churches,” said Chris Horvath, lead pastor. “I’ve heard from so many how meaningful it is. It’s great to be of use.”
Meijer provides food at a discount, Changing Places volunteers delivery service, and Clarkston’s Post High students help set up the food every week.
“It’s a job site for them,” Porritt said.
The Clarkston Blessings group started in 2011, and launched a summer program this year.
“We’re the only Blessings in a Backpack to do that,” she said.
They had three packing sessions over the summer, serving 115 families, she said.
A Golfing Fore Backpacks fund raiser for Blessings in a Backpack Clarkston is on Sunday, Sept. 25, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, at Pine Knob Golf Club, 5580 Waldon Road. Call 248-625-6963.
For more information, email is clarkstonbiab@gmail.com.

  Blessings in a Backpack