Clarksville, TN – Thank about this. More than 1,200 children leave school every Friday afternoon and do not have a solid meal until they return to school on Monday. That’s why the FUEL bags that are the sustenance in the secret backpacks these kids receive on Friday afternoon are so important. Imagine living in the land of plenty that we have in the United States of America and having nothing to eat from Friday until Monday except what generous donors give to fill these backpacks.
Saturday the Clarksville Association of Realtors made a difference through the FUEL Fundraiser at their headquarters on Center Pointe Drive. Here children, parents, grandparents and everyone who attended gathered for fun and fund-raising—with a good time had by all.
This year the FUEL program is also accepting coupons for individually wrapped and non-perishable foods. If you missed Saturday’s festivities, you can still give. Just call 931.552.3567 for more information on where to drop off your coupons or food contributions. Many churches in the area also have weekly donations for the FUEL program so convenient collections could be just around the corner.
On Saturday, the variety of experiences at the fundraiser included climbing on the firetruck, riding a pony, jumping on inflatables, shopping for crafts, eating delicious foods, and hearing a live band play your favorite songs. Beautiful girls from Danceforce provided dance routines for the crowd and were later seen enjoying snow cones and other treats.
It was a hot day on the parking lot but shade was available and air conditioning inside the basement where the crafts were located was a welcomed relief. A variety of items were for sale alongside booths for FUEL donations.
No matter how much fun everyone was having, the purpose of FUEL was not forgotten. No one in this country, especially an innocent child who is dependent on adults totally for sustenance, should ever go hungry. The FUEL program has spread to many counties in Tennessee but is not yet in every town.
Fortunately, Clarksville and Montgomery County is stepping up to fill this gap. Whoever you are, whatever you do, don’t let a day go by that you don’t remember to give what you can. This is not a child in a faraway land who is asking for your help—this is your next door neighbor whom you see every day.
Right now, make it your task to give whatever you can so that no child has to spend a weekend with nothing to eat.
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