Backpack Extra Mile Walk raises over $2 million in 14 years

By Saturday, Lincoln Public Schools employees and students raised $83,000 to support the community's children through the annual BackPack Extra Mile Walk that was held on April 23 at Lincoln East High School.

"This is the 15th year the employees of Lincoln Public Schools have collaborated with the Food Bank of Lincoln to make this event happen," said Liz Standish, associate superintendent for Business Affairs, to the crowd. "Over the past fourteen years, we have raised over $2 million dollars for the hungry children and families in our community."

LPS Superintendent Steve Joel thanked everyone for braving the wind for supporting such an important cause.

"The Food Bank of Lincoln is a true partner of Lincoln Public Schools and the entire community. It helps play an important role in helping our students and families meet their nutrition needs so they can continue to go to school and do well," added Joel.

The fundraiser helps support the Food Bank of Lincoln’s generous BackPack and Food Market initiatives, which provides a weekly backpacks filled with food for students who need help in having enough to eat over the weekend.

"This event is about helping kids, about families knowing that every single family in our community matters. We know that this special partnership between LPS and the Food Bank means this morning more than 5,000 kids across our community woke up to pancakes and syrup, cereal, or oatmeal because of the special partnership we have with the schools and all of you who believe in this work. Thank you." said Michaella Kumke, president of the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Top school efforts

• Top elementary school: Maxey
• Top middle school: Pound
• Top high school: Southeast

Donations are still being collected on the fundraising website. 

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