The Platte County R-3 Treasure Chest program that helps families in the district with basic supplies and food has seen its need more than double in the last year.
The program serves families in the district that qualify for free or reduced lunches and is open on Wednesdays for food. Once a month, through a partnership with the Community Action Agency, the program provides a package of toiletries.
Dr. Jennifer Beutel, executive director of pupil services, oversees the program. Beutel told the Platte County Citizen the program has had to change the way it operates with COVID-19. In the past families could come inside and shop for food items. With the pandemic the program has moved to a drive-through format with a prepared package. Beutel said the new way seems to be working well for families.
Platte County Treasure Chest volunteers Gene Goode, left, and Walt Hawk have helped every Wednesday since the pandemic started.
“They can kind of anticipate what’s going to be in there so they can plan to stretch their own grocery dollars,” Beutel said. “I think it’s a lot easier for families to know what we’ll be carrying and what to expect.”
Before the pandemic the Treasure Chest served an average of about 20 families each week. Since the pandemic started those numbers have increased to between 55 and 75 families each week. Beutel said the Treasure Chest has turned to Feed Northland Kids to help with food. Beutel said they try to design the packages to be easy to prepare with items such as pancake mix that only requires adding water.
“We’ve tried to make them easy and accessible to our families,” Beutel said.
Beutel said there have been other challenges the program has faced because of the pandemic; however, the program has been able to overcome those challenges because of volunteers like Chris Donnelli, who runs a local business. Beutel said Donnelli has been crucial in finding deals on large purchases like box dinners.
“Sometimes I feel like he’s my personal shopper,” Beutel said. “There’s just a lot of folks who have plugged in to give.”
Beutel said there are lots of ways to give and help with the program. Many groups like the local Girl Scouts have held fundraisers for the program. The Platte County R-3 Archery Team recently held a match with other schools that raised close to $2,000. Beutel said those cash donations help the program buy things like milk, butter and eggs.
The program has also depended on volunteers to help distribute and pack the goods they give away. The program has two couples that have been volunteering extensively since the pandemic began. Deb and Walt Hawk along with Shirley and Gene Goode have been there each week.
“Those folks have been with us every Wednesday passing out food,” Beutel said. “Rain, sleet, burning hot asphalt and sub zero temperatures. It definitely takes a village.”
Beutel said the pandemic has made a lot of folks realize how good they have it; and just how big the needs of others are.
“I think the pandemic has helped a lot of folks see they are blessed and they’re willing to bless other people,” Beutel said.
Beutel said the program has also had a positive impact on the R-3 staff who volunteer and help run it. Beutel said it makes her feel good when she can help make others feel good.
“It’s really a great way to connect with our families,” Beutel said. “There’s definitely something that blesses the giver. The only way to support our students in need is to support our families in need.”