FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama, a local nonprofit, received a $10,000 grant on Jan. 24.

The EBSCO Community Impact Committee endowed the grant for the purpose of supporting the children’s feeding program called BackPack Buddies. Money was allocated to BackPack Buddies to primarily purchase food staples, along with minor hygiene products and staff support.

The program feeds over 800 public school aged children in Alabaster, Pelham and Shelby County school systems. Program Director Stephanie Grissom, who has been with the agency since 2009, heads the project.

Along with many sponsors, the BackPack Buddies Program provides high quality food bags every week, to support public school children who are considered at-risk for food insecurity. They also provide hygiene bags, emergency response food and holiday break bags.

“Vineyard Family Services is grateful for the continued support of EBSCO Industries and their partnership through the last six years,” Grissom said. “EBSCO is not only an incredible attribute to our city and state, but they invest wisely and generously to those in need. They are sensitive to the issues our communities are facing and we could not ask for a better partner.”

Executive Director Ward Williams founded Vineyard Family Services in 2007. The agency focuses on feeding children in need, promoting responsible fatherhood and helping families in crisis. For more information on ways you can get involved, go to Vfsdads.com.