Hands & Hearts Food Program

Because Hunger Doesn't Take The Weekend Off

Serving the students and families of

Qualicum School District

History of the Program

The program originally began as the All They Want for Christmas Campaign in 1998. In 2019, the organizers recognized the need for families to be provided with food all year long. The Hands & Hearts Food Program was created to fill that need with Virginia Worcester as Founder/Program Coordinator with administrative and volunteer support from the Qualicum School District.

Days Without Hunger

The concept is simple: children at risk of hunger receive a bag of food that is child-friendly, nutritious and non-perishable. Food hampers are filled by volunteers and delivered to the families through the School District so families can prepare nutritious healthy meals every day of the week.

Spring and Summer Break

Prior to spring break, families are provided with enough non-perishable food to assist with meals over the two weeks that school is not in session.

During the week prior to the summer break, families are also provided with one final large food hamper of staples to support them over the two summer break months.

All They Want for Christmas

In keeping with the original charity, each year, during the last week of school prior to the winter school break, families are provided with a month’s worth of non-perishable food as well as all the necessary items for a turkey dinner.

This assists the families with meals during the time schools are closed over the winter break as well as providing them with the items for a special holiday meal.

How can I support the program?

There are a number of ways you can support theprogram:

  • Cash OR Cheques payable to: SD69 – Qualicum, can be dropped off care of Virginia Worcester at Borealis Hair Salon
  • By Direct Deposit to: District69backpack@gmail.com
  • Cash, Cheques or Credit Card donations can be made at the Qualicum School Board Office

(see back of brochure for details)

Where does my donation go?

All donations received go 100% towards the Hands & Hearts Food Program. Food is purchased with the money raised and provided to families monthly throughout the school year as well as prior to the school break periods.

Who oversees the program?

The Program Founder and Coordinator, Virginia Worcester, oversees the program with support from Qualicum School District. School administrators identify the families to be served through the program. School and community volunteers assist with filling the hampers each month for distribution to the families.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, if your donation is $20 or more. The money received is provided to the Qualicum School District which generates the tax receipts. Please be sure to provide a full mailing address for your tax receipt.

In The Media

Click the button below to head over to 88.5 The Beach’s website to listen to an interview all about The District 69 Backpack Program.

LISTEN

Donate

To support our program, please choose a donation option below.

By Email

Please address an envelope Attention: Virginia Worcester and make a cheque out to School District 69. Be sure to include a return address so you can be mailed a tax receipt. 

E-Transfer

Please send an e-transfer in an amount of your choice to district69backpack@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full mailing address for a tax receipt in your e-transfer details.

In-Person

Drop off a cheque in-person at 105 - 222 West Second Avenue in Qualicum Beach. Please call ahead to schedule an in-person drop-off at 250.752.1828.