Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) announced his office will once again be collecting food items needed for school children this summer. These items will be distributed in partnership with Blessing in a Backpack’s Fulton, Hannibal and Oswego chapters. The charity drive will begin on Monday, June 3 and end on Wednesday, June 5. Those interested in dropping off any donations can do so at Leader Barclay’s district office located at 19 Canalview Mall in Fulton. The Save A Lot located at 364 W 1st St S in Fulton will also have a collection box for those who wish to donate.

Each Friday during the school year, Blessings in a Backpack provides snacks and ready-to-cook microwavable meals to elementary school children ahead of the weekend. Prior to summer vacation, larger food packages are distributed. Leader Barclay has said past drives have been a success and he hopes this year’s drive will have similar results.

“Donations to our location have helped ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ tremendously, giving elementary school children a resource that might not be available to them especially on weekends and during the summer,” said Leader Barclay.

The following items are most needed and will be collected until Wednesday, June 5: 

• Fruit & grain cereal bars
• Chocolate chip granola bars
• Snack-size meat sticks (Slim Jims)
• Peanut butter (both individual packets and jars)
• Jelly (in a plastic jar)
• Cereal (boxes or bags)
• Packets of oatmeal
• Cheese & cracker packets
• Kraft Easy Mac
• Fruit cups
• Pudding cups
• Microwavable Chef Boyardee ravioli

“This community has been a great help each year. We are grateful for Leader Barclay’s assistance this year and look forward to packing those summer break bags full,” said Donna Blake of Hannibal’s “Blessings in a Backpack” Chapter.