Volunteers pack lunches for Durham students to have on day of teacher rally
With more than 60 percent of students in Durham qualifying for free or reduced lunch, volunteers packed the downtown Durham YMCA to pack food for the kids that will need it on Wednesday when schools are closed.
Posted — UpdatedDozens of groups are behind similar grassroots efforts to pack meals that will go home with students Tuesday.
"This is a way to not let the meals distract from the real mission on Wednesday, which is advocacy for public education," said Kelly Sasser with Watts St. Baptist Church.
Volunteers packed mac and cheese, fruit cups, granola bars and other snacks for the students to enjoy while teachers rally in Raleigh.
"I want our teachers at Hillandale to know that they are supported and that they should not feel guilty advocating for themselves and for the schools," said Rebecca Viverecte, who has a student at Hillandale Elementary.
At the YMCA, volunteers met to put together thousands of meals.
"The YMCA has always been committed to supporting the families in our community and we find this is just one important way to do this at this time," said Forrest Perry.
The cafeterias at 13 Durham schools will be open on Wednesday, but students may not have proper transportation.
That's why the meals mean a lot.
"They will get what they need to grow and learn and continue to be the best they can be," said Viverecte.
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