NEW ALBANY, Ind. — It’s a Friday morning at Slate Run Elementary School in New Albany, Indiana.

Vernon Niemeier is doing what he’s done for the last 15 years – volunteering.

“I can walk out of here on Friday afternoon knowing I sent 140 to 180 meals home to people who need it,” he said.

Vernon’s group of 10 volunteers sort, pack and deliver goodies to students from Pre-K to 6th grade before they leave school for the weekend.

The volunteers, which are former teachers, principals and police officers, are retired from Floyd County Schools.

Vernon, a retired officer, leads the charge during packing hours.

They fill bag by bag with easy to open and eat items like cereal, canned goods and chips.

It’s thanks to Blessings in a Backpack – a non-profit dedicated to ending student hunger in Ne

See Full Page