“Backpacks for Kids” is a public school program that relies on private donations and community support. “It’s not something that we’d be able to fund otherwise,” says Trenten Barr, principal at Meyer Elementary, where the program helps feed 24 students.

Sr. Maria Inviolata Honma, SMDG, a former Foundation board member, applied for the grant to support the volunteer work of Lexington Community in Unity, including “Backpacks for Kids.” The award came from the Foundation’s four community grants designed to help the poor and vulnerable throughout the Diocese.

Each week, school staff members pack bags with food purchased through the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and discreetly place them in students’ lockers to take home on Friday. Depending on the number of students in need and the price of goods, the program costs between $3,000-$4,000 each year. “Our community is very generous and supportive of the schools and kids,” Barr says. With the Foundation’s support, children facing food insecurity receive assistance with care and dignity.

Sr. Maria is also familiar with the Foundation’s impact beyond receiving individual grants. Ave Maria Parish, where she serves as Director of Parish Life, benefits from annual disbursements received from three endowments managed by the Foundation. “I don’t think that a lot of people realize how they are impacted by the Foundation,” Sr. Maria said. “I think the Foundation is really bridging that divide between Saginaw and the southeast frontier of the Diocese.”

This year, the Foundation is celebrating 20 years generously supporting the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Diocese of Saginaw. Stories like “Backpacks for Kids” reflect how donor generosity, met with faithful stewardship, can transform communities.

“I’m very grateful for the generosity of the people who work with Lexington Community in Unity,” says Sr. Maria.

“The most rewarding part is the feeling of it all,” Barr says. “It’s just the feeling of making a difference.”