Picnic program a success

Dear editor,

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank the community for another successful year of the Summer Feeding Program Picnic in the Park. More than 8,000 free lunches were served to hungry children in the Mountain Home community this summer.

The United States Department of Agriculture funds the cost of food and some employee labor, but this program could not take place without the support of the many volunteers who graciously donated their time to help so many others in our community.

There were a number of individuals and organizations that came together to make the yearly event so successful. In addition to providing places to serve the meals, they provided an assortment of educational programs to make meal time a learning experience as well.

We also have to extend a special thanks to the dozens of volunteers who helped serve meals at each of the three sites each weekday. Their service was impeccable.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank all of the families who participated in the Picnic in the Park and the activities. Thanks to the parents for allowing your children to attend and for raising such great kids. Your children were polite, respectful, and gracious, which makes this program rewarding and enjoyable for everyone involved.

-- Lisa Stover-Russell,

Picnic in the Park coordinator