Blessings in a Backpack receives grant from Galesburg Community Foundation

by Knox College Office of Communications

GALESBURG, Illinois (07/29/2025) — The Knox College-run organization 'Blessings in a Backpack' has received a substantial $15,000 grant from the Galesburg Community Foundation's annual grant cycle, known as The Turnout. This initiative, which operates under the Kleine Center for Community Service, aims to support Galesburg School District 205 students who face food scarcity. Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year that Blessings in a Backpack has been granted this amount.

According to Teresa Nelson, the director of civic engagement at Knox, the idea to apply for the grant came from Jillian Isaacson, a former employee of the Galesburg Community Foundation. "We talked about it a lot at Rotary, and she encouraged us to apply for this," Nelson explained.

With Isaacson's assistance in drafting and reviewing the grant, Nelson acknowledged her contributions as invaluable.

The organization has garnered immediate backing from the Galesburg community, demonstrating the power of collaboration between the College and local residents. "It's not just monetary support; we also rely heavily on volunteers," Nelson noted.

The First Presbyterian Church generously offers space for packing and storage of food. Each term, MSI provides a truck and driver to transport food from Hy-Vee to the church, where community members and Knox students help unload and store it. Every Tuesday, volunteers set up in the morning and pack bags in the evening.

Blessings in a Backpack operates from the start of the Knox academic year until the end of the District 205 school year, forging partnerships with local businesses, charities, and organizations to ensure food distribution to children in need.

"Last year, we inquired how many students were in need, and we learned it was around 425 per week, so we aimed to meet that need fully," Nelson shared.

With food prices climbing this year, the grant will help address budgetary challenges. Last year's total expenditure reached $50,709, primarily sourced from Hy-Vee, which offers price breaks. The current grant, alongside additional support from local donors, including a $10,000 annual contributor, and fundraising events, plays a crucial role in sustaining their efforts.

In the past year alone, Blessings in a Backpack successfully provided aid to over 400 students. The grant significantly contributes to the program's $50,000 budget, with all funds directed exclusively towards their mission in Galesburg.

"Every dollar raised goes directly into feeding these kids," Nelson emphasized. "Our entire workforce comprises volunteers from both the College and the community, which is why it's fantastic to have such strong local support."

Blessings in a Backpack is among the 42 local nonprofits to receive funding through The Turnout grants, which focus on diverse areas such as arts, health services, education, and more. Nelson praised the Galesburg Community Foundation for its efforts in uplifting local organizations.

The success of the program is rooted in the ongoing collaboration between Knox College and the Galesburg community. Nelson recognizes that community involvement enhances the program's effectiveness.

"We've found that incorporating the community fosters success. They care deeply about the children's achievements," she said. "Research shows that hungry kids struggle in school. A child needs food, shelter, and clothing to thrive and learn."

Knox College

Blessings in a Backpack receives grant from Galesburg Community Foundation

Knox College

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