Oxford’s Blessings in a Backpack (BIB) program is conducting a fund-raiser at Collier Lanes (879 S. Lapeer Rd.) on Sunday, March 15 from 1-4 p.m.
Dubbed ‘Bowling for Backpacks,? the event offers participants the opportunity to play three games of nine-pin, no-tap bowling for $15 per person.
The event will also include raffles, an auction, a 50/50 drawing and a chance to win $250 by being the first to throw a strike involving a pin formation that lacks the head pin. Five bucks buys a bowler two shots at this most challenging formation.
Folks wishing to register for the event are asked to call Cheryl Verbeke, chairperson of Oxford BIB, at (248) 909-5689 or Lakeville Elementary at (248) 969-1850.
All proceeds will benefit BIB, which provides free food to Lakeville and Leonard elementary students in the government-subsidized free or reduced hot lunch program.
Every Friday during the school year, BIB volunteers distribute backpacks filled with enough nonperishable food items to feed eligible students for the entire weekend.
‘We send them home with six meals every weekend,? Verbeke said.
Food items include juice boxes, granola bars, canned tuna or chicken, cereal, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, instant oatmeal and packets of soup.
Between Lakeville and Leonard, BIB is currently feeding 65 students on a weekly basis. It costs $100 to supply a single student with enough food for an entire school year, according to Verbeke.
Verbeke said the BIB program is hoping to branch out, adding Oxford Elementary and the Oxford Early Learning Center before the current school year is over and maybe Clear Lake Elementary in the fall.
Those interested in contributing to Oxford BIB can send a check or money order to the North Woodward Community Foundation (NWCF)/Blessings in a Backpack Oxford, 1120 E. Long Lake Rd., Ste. 205, Troy, MI 48085. Donations are tax deductible.