The Backpack Program | Getting Ready for School with Kalispell Toyota

As the back-to-school season approaches in the Flathead Valley, a wave of excitement fills the air. It’s a time of new beginnings and fresh opportunities for students to embark on a journey of learning and growth. However, at Kalispell Toyota, we recognize the importance of ensuring that every student has the essential tools for success. Sadly, around 12.1% of the local children here in the Flathead Valley grapple with food insecurity. Therefore hindering their ability to fully engage and thrive in the classroom.

The Backpack Program

Thankfully, there’s a beacon of hope shining brightly in our community – the Flathead Food Bank. Committed to making a positive impact, they tirelessly work to provide assistance to families in need. Among their incredible programs, the BackPack Program stands out as a shining example of their dedication. Collaborating closely with educators, counselors, and school administrators across more than 20 schools in the Flathead region. Thus, this program identifies students who require additional support.

Picture this: Every weekend, young learners receive a backpack filled with nourishment and care. These backpacks contain breakfast, lunch, juice, milk, and a delightful treat for each day they’re away from school. To illustrate, these are carefully prepared and discreetly distributed on the last day before a weekend or school holiday. As a result, these bags ensure that children have access to nourishing meals even when school-provided options are unavailable. The food is non-perishable and child-friendly. Therefore, making it easy for families to prepare and enjoy together. In our very own Flathead Valley, the BackPack Program serves an impressive 450 students. In other words, providing a staggering total of over 73,000 meals each year!

A Pledge to Make a Difference

At Kalispell Toyota, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of community involvement. Our roots run deep, and we recognize that our success is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the community we serve. As August unfolds, we’re embarking on a meaningful journey to support the BackPack Program. Across all three of our cherished dealerships – Kalispell Ford, Kalispell Toyota, and Kalispell Volkswagen – we’re committed to making a tangible difference. For example, the entire month of August we pledge to donate $50 from every vehicle sold towards the BackPack Program. Above all with an ambitious goal of reaching $20,000.

This isn’t a fleeting effort; it’s a tradition we’ve proudly upheld for several years. And now, we’re extending an invitation to you – our valued community members – to join us in this noble endeavor. If you find yourself in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, we invite you to consider Kalispell Toyota as your dealer of choice this August. By doing so, you’re not just getting behind the wheel of a quality vehicle; you’re also steering our community towards a brighter future. In addition, your purchase will directly contribute to the BackPack Program, ensuring that young minds are nourished and ready to flourish.

A Helping Hand, Your Way

Not actively seeking a vehicle at the moment? That’s absolutely okay. Making a difference is as easy as ever. Monetary donations can be made directly at any of our dealerships, and these contributions will be channeled directly into our BackPack Program Drive. The funds will then find their way to the Flathead Food Bank, just in time for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Your generosity will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need.

Can’t swing by our dealerships? No problem at all. You can make a direct donation to the Flathead Food Banks programs through their website. We hold deep admiration for the Flathead Food Bank’s unwavering dedication and the efficiency with which they care for our community.

Join Us in Creating Happy Homes

Together, let’s make sure that our children return home from school with smiles on their faces, not hunger in their bellies. At Kalispell Toyota, we’re thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative, and we invite you to stand alongside us in this worthy cause. As we gear up for the new school year, let’s come together as a community and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.