In 1924, when a town in southwest Virginia decided to change its name to mirror its neighboring town in Bluefield, West Virginia, a mock marriage ceremony was held in the city park between officials of Bluefield, Virginia, and Bluefield, West Virginia.  

That same spirit exists today, and several Blessings in a Backpack programs serve the Bluefield area. West Virginia traditionally ranks among the poorest states in the country. Although poverty has decreased in West Virginia, it remains high for children and families. Last year, West Virginia had the highest percentage of children living in poverty in any state in the country.   

Trinity United Methodist Church on the West Virginia side of town is the primary sponsor of the Blessings program at Bluefield Primary and Intermediate Schools. Program Coordinator Deena Barnett feeds 160 kids at two schools. Bluewell United Methodist Church is running yet another Blessings program — serving over 100 children in three small towns in the Appalachian Mountains. Individual donations from the community help fund the program.   

The Bluefield, Virginia Lions Club provides weekly Blessings food to 300 students at schools in both states. Program Coordinator and local businessman Rick Saunders says the club has a golf outing each fall that generates a good deal of their donations. In addition, the club applies for matching funds from Lions of Virginia to help sustain the program.  

The number of kids requesting Blessings bags keeps rising: one school just requested 60 more bags each week for their students. Saunders says they will somehow make it happen. “I can’t imagine a family on a limited income with three or four kids, can’t imagine how they can make do. I am thankful and blessed I am in a position I can help, and that is why the Lions Club does what we can to help.”   

In addition to the Blessings program, the Lions Club provides funds so teachers can purchase shoes and clothing for kids in need.  

The Lions Club reaches out to local trusts and family foundations for help. Most of the money for the program comes from outside the club members, although their contacts enable the club to connect with those in the community who have the ability to support the Blessings program.

Saunders says, “If there is a desire to help feed kids, you can get it done. Where there is a will there is a way.”