Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors in Need is a grassroots 501(c)(3) serving families facing food insecurity in Ballantyne-area public schools through food drives, grocery support, and a community pantry. We talked with school counselors for all the schools that feed into Ardrey Kell High School (Ballantyne, Elon Park, Endhaven, Hawk Ridge, and Polo Elementary Schools, Community House and JM Robinson Middle Schools and Ardrey Kell High School) and found out there were 100 families in need that attend our schools. As a result of the need, the Ballantyne community came together in a HUGE way to help these families for Thanksgiving. By working with all of the different school communities, we raised almost $10,000 in food and gift cards - AMAZING! With schools canceling suddenly because of the Coronavirus, this group jumped quickly into action to help families in need in our area. Many of these families depend on the schools to provide breakfast and lunch for their kids. Within 24 hours, we raised almost $12,000 in donations (roughly $4000 in monetary donations), along with countless amounts of food and got the food in the hands of the families who needed it (3/16/20). This food drive was focused on breakfast and lunch items. Now, we are focused on our 2nd drive and more dinner based items. Food donations are needed by end of day, Wednesday, March 25. Food will be given to families in need on Sunday, March 29 from 3-5 at South Meck Presbyterian Church by Ballantyne CMS staff to protect the privacy of these families. Thanks to those who have already supported our efforts and thanks to those who will help in the future. Together, we can make a positive difference in many of our neighbors' lives during this very challenging time.
