FORK launches CashFORKids fundraiser Aug. 1

August is back-to-school time planning time for families across the area. It is also the time when Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) looks to raise funds to feed children from food-insecure homes in the coming year.

This August marks the seventh annual CashFORKids fundraiser to support FORK programs. The fundraiser begins this Saturday, Aug. 1, and will run through Aug. 31.

“This is our largest fundraising event,” said FORK President Perry Pokrandt. “Its goal is to raise necessary funds to provide nutritional support for children from food-insecure homes across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes and Phelps school districts.”

Once again, the fundraiser will be a collaborative effort of all Eagle River financial institutions, as well as Forward Bank in St. Germain and Three Lakes.

“Together, the financial institutions make it easy for people to stop by to drop off their donations in person,” explained CashFORKids Chairperson Lexi Scafaro. “All our area financial institutions have a history of being there for the children of our community. CashFORKids is a perfect example of that commitment.

“By working together, the local banks and credit union help raise the funds needed to underwrite FORK’s four nutritional support programs: FORK Cares, FORK Now, FORK Extra, the 12 FORK Pantry locations, as well as supporting FORK’s Family Food Helpline,” Scafaro added.

The goal for this August’s monthlong fundraising push is to raise $30,000 — an amount FORK leadership is confident they can meet.

“We are optimistic that our community will again support FORK’s efforts to feed our rural kids,” Scafaro said.

Individuals can donate in person to this effort at Nicolet National Bank, Associated Bank, Ripco Credit Union, People’s State Bank, Incredible Bank, Great North Bank, and BMO Harris Bank, all of Eagle River. Donations can also be made at Forward Bank locations in Three Lakes and St. Germain.

In addition, donations can also be made online at feedourruralkids.org/cashforkids, or checks can be mailed to: CashFORKids, 4887 Echo Ridge Dr., Eagle River, WI 54521.

For more information on FORK and the different programs and outreach it supports, visit feedourruralkids.org.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations made to the program are tax-deductible.