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Huron Valley honors volunteers and grants; Blessings in a Backpack reports record fundraiser
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Summary
The board recognized Blessings in a Backpack volunteers and Huron Valley Education Foundation grant recipients; presenters said the recent fundraiser raised a preliminary $50,000–$60,000 and HVEF awarded 20 grants totaling just under $22,000 this year.
The Huron Valley Schools Board of Education paused its regular business to recognize volunteers and local donors who support students across the district.
Pam Barcoltz, program coordinator for Blessings in a Backpack, described the volunteer‑driven program that provides weekend food to students in need and said the recent community fundraiser raised a preliminary "somewhere between $50 and $60,000." Barcoltz, who said the local effort is contracted through the Huron Valley Optimist, called the effort a grassroots partnership and thanked the many volunteers and leadership team members who help deliver the bags to students.
Representatives of the Huron Valley Education Foundation presented the foundation's annual grants report. The foundation, the presenters said, has funded just under 600 grants over 30 years totaling approximately $620,000. This year the foundation awarded 20 grants across elementary, middle and high schools totaling just under $22,000, funding classroom resources, community arts programs and robotics support.
Board members and attendees praised the volunteers and the foundation's long track record. "We appreciate the opportunity," said one presenter. The board took a group photo with volunteers and invited any guests to remain for the remainder of the meeting.
Next steps: foundation leaders and program volunteers will continue fundraising and outreach; district staff said they plan to coordinate with volunteers as programs expand into additional schools next year.
