Hopelink Shoots for a Winning “Hoops For Hope” Campaign

REDMOND, Wash. – Beginning in March, Hopelink will begin its annual “Hoops for Hope” campaign to support the increasing demand at local food banks throughout the summer when free or reduced-fee breakfast and lunch programs at schools are not operating.

“Hoops for Hope” is a grassroots campaign that gathers the support of the community in the form of local businesses, organizations and schools to help provide low-income families with food for kids who receive free and reduced-fee breakfasts and lunches during the school year.  The “Hoops for Hope” fundraising drive runs from March through June, and food purchased with the funds raised is distributed June through September at Hopelink’s six food banks in east and north King County.  This year, the Seattle Storm have partnered with Hopelink to sponsor the “Hoops for Hope” program and to help Hopelink increase awareness of the growing need to supplement school meals over the summer.

“Hoops for Hope” works with local schools and businesses in two ways.  In working with schools, Hopelink arranges for children in classrooms to collect coins.  Businesses hold food and fund drives according to what works best for each organization.

Children who receive free or reduced fee meals at school come from families who struggle to provide basic necessities.  The loss of this school-based nutritious food program presents an immense challenge to parents who are already squeezing every penny out of their budgets.  In addition to budgeting to replace meals they must also find ways to pay for daycare for the summer since for many families both parents work.  These stresses create added pressure for families to be able to pay rent or their mortgage, threatening them with becoming homeless.

“There are approximately 10,000 children in east and north King County who receive free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch,” said Doreen Marchione, executive director for Hopelink.  “Those children, usually receiving two hot meals each day, are then home for the summer and the household experiences a strain on their resources.  ‘Hoops for Hope’ is a way for Hopelink to help those families supplement the increased need.”

Schools, organizations and businesses interested in becoming involved in “Hoops for Hope” or wanting additional information, can contact Lee Mahoney at Hopelink at 425.869.6022 or leem@hope-link.org.

About Hopelink
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities in north and east King County by promoting self-sufficiency for all members of our community and helping people make lasting change. Hopelink assists people with meeting their needs for food, shelter, homelessness prevention, child development, family development and stabilization, transportation and adult literacy skills. For more information on Hopelink and its services, call 425.869.6000 or visit www.hope-link.org.

Media Contacts
Denise Stephens, Public Relations Specialist, office: 425.869.2440, denises@hope-link.org
Glen Miller, Communications Manager, office: 425.869.6025, cell: 206.790.5410, glenm@hope-link.org