Community Combined Ministries plans its first “packing” of the 2018 season for next weekend, Jan. 19 and 20. CCM has extended its Kidz Power Pacs ministry to include local schools in Berkeley and Jefferson counties. According to information on the group’s website, it provides a weekend, holiday break and summer feeding ministry for more than 900 children through 39 schools in both counties.

Based on volunteerism and public sponsorship, the ministry doesn’t make use of any local food banks. Instead, it takes donations, holds fundraisers and forms sponsorships to collect the food items that it provides for the children.

As will happen next weekend, CCM and supporters gather once a month at Eagle School Intermediate in Martinsburg to pack the “Power Pacs” with nutritious, easy-to-open, kid-friendly foods. Once the pacs are ready to go, delivery teams of volunteers bring them to the partner schools, where the pacs are distributed, usually on Fridays. The pacs can be delivered early should bad weather be in the forecast.

The program always needs volunteers to help pack the bags. CCM encourages other area nonprofits to set up during packing to introduce more civic support services within the community. CCM concentrates on empowering families on the program and throughout the community by providing its services and by networking with other outreaches. All are welcome to enjoy a fun-filled day of fellowship each month.

There are many opportunities to assist with this community program. Interested parties may join a delivery team, host a fundraiser or a food drive, or become a drop site if a location is available to do so.

For more information on this community-based outreach, contact coordinator Diana Wall at 304-268-8778 or via email to communityycombinedwv@gmail.com. Additional information can also be found at the Community Combined website at www.communitycombined.org.