Arby's helps raise $2,151 for backpack program

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — A local fund-raiser by the Arby’s Restaurant in McCook meant that manager Dustin Dold could write a check for $2,151 to the McCook Educational Foundation, to help fund a McCook Public Schools “backpack program” that provides food for elementary students over the weekends and holidays breaks during the school year.

Arby’s manager Dustin Dold said his restaurant ran a local fund-raiser for four weeks, asking guests if they wanted to donate to help end childhood hunger, and then the restaurant also donated 10 percent of its proceeds on a Saturday. Change dropped by guests into specially-marked boxes at the register will also be designated for the backpack program, Dold said.

McCook’s elementary backpack program started three years ago with an anonymous $10,000 donation to McCook Elementary School and the McCook Educational Foundation. McCook teacher Tracy Flaska, coordinator of the schools’ backpack program, said that to help feed qualified students over the weekends and during school-break holidays, backpacks go home with enough food staples for the break.

Tracy estimates that it costs $200 to provide food for one student throughout the school year.

“This is critical for us, because McCook Elementary is at 51 percent poverty,” said McCook Elementary principal Tim Garcia.

Tracy said she appreciates the support of the schools’ backpack program by the McCook Arby’s restaurant, and the generosity of its guests.

Tracy said the initial donation has been exhausted, and the need continues to provide for students in need. Anyone wishing to donate to the backpack program is encouraged to contact Jason Loop, treasurer of the McCook Educational Foundation, at (308) 345-5100.