PENN ST. ALTOONA SAAC HELP PACK HEALTHY SNACKS

Members of the Penn State Altoona Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) assembled treat bags in the Adler Gym on Tuesday for the Altoona Area School District's Mountain Lion Backpack Program.

SAAC has been involved with the program throughout the 2013-2014 academic year, with members volunteering their time to help give local children a wholesome and nutritious diet.

The program is designed to provide food to elementary school children in the Altoona area who otherwise may not have access to proper nutrition outside of school. The nonprofit puts "kids at the front of the line for receiving the food they need while not in school -- food that equips them to come to school Monday morning physically and mentally prepared to learn."

Every Friday from October to May, the Mountain Lion Backpack Program provides two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, two drinks, and two snacks to local children. These nutritious, non-perishable, kid-friendly food items are packed in a backpack for the weekend and delivered to deserving elementary school children in the AASD for a cost of about $3 per week.

If you are interested in donating to this program, visit http://www.centralpagives.org .