Operation Summer Snacks in Windham has a record-breaking year, benefiting area children

WINDHAM---It was a record-breaking year for Operation Summer Snacks, a program at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham that provides nutritious treats to children in the community. 

During the summer months, parishioners are asked to bring in individual-sized snacks like raisins, crackers, fruit cups, applesauce pouches, and granola bars to give to children who receive supplemental food when school is in session. The parish works with the Windham Food Pantry to deliver the donations to those who could use them. 

When the program started eight years ago, the aim was to collect 1,000 snacks. This year, the goal was a loftier 5,600, but even that was far exceeded. By the end of the initiative, 6,728 snacks were donated, a new record for the program.

“I’m always amazed, but never surprised, at the response when a need or ‘ask’ for help is put out to our parish community and we totally crush it,” said Jill Russell-Morey, who helped launch the program. "We truly closed out this season with a bang.” 

In addition to bringing in food, parishioners also made monetary donations.

The program has been so successful that snacks have also been provided to elderly community members.