Nursing and rehab facility helps DC children by packing bags of food

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Once a week, residents at Transitions Healthcare in Southeast gather to pack more than 100 bags of food.

“For me, it’s a blessing to be able to help others that are in need and especially the children,” said Willie Lee, a resident at the nursing and rehab facility.

The children the seniors are assisting attend a school right across the street: Stanton Elementary.

“Many of these children, they don’t have food at home or they might not have the guidance or they may be homeless so it gives, it provides the ability for them to have nutrition through the weekend when not at school,” Blessings in a Backpack program coordinator Pat Moller explained.

At Stanton, all of the more than 500 students are on the free and reduced meals program.

“If kids are hungry they’re more likely to act out in class, misbehave, they’re more likely to be very unfocused,” said Christie Atlee manager of Community and Family Engagement at Stanton.

“When we get out of school, we like to eat the snacks,” Teresa Garcia, a 7-year-old at Stanton informed.

The Blessings in a Backpack program is about much more than food. What the seniors are giving, they’re getting back.

“I just get a good feeling. I feel like I even get a blessing,” expressed Aaron Seibert, a Transitions resident.

Since the program started four years ago, students at Stanton have forged a special relationship with the seniors, visiting them to celebrate holidays and special events.

Lee added, “They sing, they work with us, so it’s really joy and comfort for those that can’t get out.”

Stanton administrators say attendance, academic performance, and enthusiasm have increased for students in the program.

Stanton third grader Bobby Garcia shared, “The snack bags make me really happy.”

Another community group is also involved in Blessings in a Backpack. Capital City Church in Northeast recently agreed to sponsor 150 students.

Watch the story at wjla.com.