CASH FOR KIDS Drive Meets $25,000 Goal

Feed Our Rural Kids Inc.’s (FORK) third annual Cash For Kids fundraiser raised $25,000 during August, announced Cash For Kids Chairperson Lexi Scafaro.

“It is amazing what is possible when Eagle River’s financial institutions all work together,” Scafaro said.

The Cash For Kids fundraiser was a collaborative effort of all Eagle River financial institutions: Nicolet National Bank, Associated Bank, Ripco Credit Union, People’s State Bank, Incredible Bank, Great North Bank, and BMO Harris Bank. During the month of August, customers and noncustomers contributed toward the support of FORK and its efforts to provide nutritional support to children within the Northland Pines, Phelps and Three Lakes school districts, she said.

FORK has created and supports five local programs: FORK Cares, Meals Now, Jump Start, the Formula Support Program, and the six local FORK Pantry locations at the Eagle River, Land O’ Lakes, St. Germain and Phelps elementary school buildings, along with two additional pantries located at the Conover Town Hall and the Plum Lake Public Library.

Currently, two additional FORK pantries are being built for placement within the Three Lakes and Sugar Camp schools. They are expected to be in use before the end of October.

Although the Cash For Kids drive has wrapped up, donations can still be made online at feedourruralkids.org/cashforkids, or checks can be mailed to: Cash For Kids, 4887 Echo Ridge Dr., Eagle River, WI 54521.

“We are grateful to the Eagle River financial institutions and their customers for standing with FORK to help us feed kids,” added Scafaro.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

To learn more about FORK and rural food insecurity, visit feedourruralkids.org.