Research shows that children are better able to learn when they’re well-nourished and not distracted by grumbling tummies. Furthermore, eating healthy meals has been linked to higher grades, better memory and behavior, and faster information processing. During the school year, many local families rely on the daily breakfasts and lunches their children receive at school to help their growing bodies and minds. But during the weekend and on school breaks, these children lack access to those valuable resources.
That’s why in 2015, Liz and Paul Meeker rallied like-minded people to provide breakfasts, lunches and snacks on weekends to ensure that no child in the Crestwood Local School District went hungry. Just three years ago, Kids Weekend Meals (KWM) assisted 49 families and 115 children. Today, 80 families and 185 kids in the district rely on KWM for support. And KWM relies on a community of volunteers and benefactors to continue this worthwhile endeavor each calendar year.
“This is the ninth year that Kids Weekend Meals is feeding hungry Crestwood kids,” KWM volunteer Pete Pruszynski shared. With concerns that rising food costs would reduce the number of families KWM could serve, he proposed a Thanksgiving Day Plunge last year to raise funds and help ensure that every family who needs it will continue to receive help.
Last year’s Thanksgiving Plunge included nearly 40 brave jumpers who braved the 32 degree morning to jump in a lake for charity. Pruszynski noted that the official amount raised in 2022 came in at an incredible $15,000 – that’s $5,000 over targeted goal. He credits the amazing support within community: the efforts of all who jumped, donated, or supported.
Looking forward to the third year, he’s hoping the 2023 Plunge is even larger, going from 13 teams last year to 20 teams. This year, he hopes to encourage 100 Crestwood alumni to take the plunge, in hopes of garnering $100 per Red Devil alum. In addition, potential participants can denote the purpose behind their participation – raising money and jumping in memory of a friend or loved one they lost. He noted that the Crestwood PTO would be joining the event, with funds raised shared among the PTO and KWM. He’s grateful that the local schools, churches, businesses and families are jumping in to give back and support the next generation of Red Devils. “It’s great to see the excitement building,” Pruszynski shared, “and have the community rally together for such a worthy cause.”
Once again, the event will take place at 9 am on Thanksgiving morning at the B Ranch, owned by Todd and Cheryl Brugmann. To take part in this year’s Thanksgiving Plunge, contact Pruszynsky at (330)607-4102.
If you need more information about KWM or would like to volunteer, visit the Kids Weekend Meals page on Facebook and send a private message to the group. To donate to KWM, send a check to: Kids Weekend Meals, C/O Liz Meeker, 4317 Parkwood Avenue, Mantua, OH 44255.
