Many people might not be aware of the food insecurity that is a reality for some residents of north Alabama. Fortunately, the Good Samaritans among us are working to combat it. One such person is Lake League Real Estate's Melissa Curtis, who recently announced the launch of her effort: Snack League.
"This all started when I was visiting with my sister, who is a school teacher in Double Springs," Curtis said. "She was knitting an unusually large amount of winter hats. When I asked her why, she told me that a lot of her students couldn’t afford winter clothes, and to help out, she was making hats for every single one of them. I was astonished at how many of her students were in need, and she said 'Melissa, most of these kids don’t even have food at home, and can’t afford extra things like school snacks or winter gear.'
"That absolutely broke my heart. No child should go hungry or be deprived of the most basic necessities. The thought of them going without food, winter clothes or even a bed to call their own inspired me to set up regular donations to schools in Winston County. But I quickly realized that my independent donations weren’t going to be enough. My company, Lake League, has created a better solution: Snack League."
Launched in January, Snack League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funds and food to children in need.
"These kids will need a lifeline, and we intend on being that lifeline," Curtis said. "Lake League has always been devoted to giving back whenever possible, and Snack League is an extension of that devotion."
She continued, "Until my sister told me about kids being hungry, no power, no beds... I had no clue! Growing up, we didn't have much, but my parents made sure we had the necessities of life. It crushed my heart, and I know as a community we can do better! We can make a change and that's what we are going to do!"
Lake League is encouraging residents and businesses to join in the effort by getting involved with Snack League and its efforts to assist all local schools.
"Let’s work together, as a community, to ensure that these kids never go hungry again," said Curtis.
For more information, or if you want to participate in Snack League, contact Melissa Curtis at 205-300-3663 or melissa@lakeleague.com.
According to the Food Bank of North Alabama, 1 in 6 children in Colbert, Cullman, De Kalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties face hunger. Lake League Real Estate's Snack League hopes to help.