Districts in Action Featured Project

July 28, 2021

GBU District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania, selected the Altoona Mountain Lion Backpack Program as its Districts in Action project for this year. The officers felt that there is a great need in the Altoona area to provide food to needy children. These are families that depend on the free and reduced-price food program to feed their children when the children are in school. The children often don’t have enough food on weekends.

The Program feeds an average 1,000 Altoona Area Elementary School children every week and is part of the national Feeding America network BackPack Program.

Funding received is used to purchase food that will be placed in the backpacks. The average cost is $3 a backpack, which is about $100 for 1 student per year. $2,500 will purchase food for 25 children for 1 school year or 32 weekends.

The Mountain Lion BackPack Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit program through the Blair County Community Action. The mission of the Mountain Lion BackPack Program is to provide elementary children in the Altoona Area School District with food for the weekends when other resources may not be available to them.

In providing school children with food, we hope to nourish their bodies, prepare their minds and encourage their spirits.

We hope to support the teachers of our school district with this program in that students will be more physically prepared to attend school regularly, focus more intently on their lessons and demonstrate healthy attitudes.

We hope to be an encouragement to families who are struggling, to both lift a burden and show that their community cares.

We hope to bring our community together in this effort to touch and change lives, serving families notonly with food but also with love and compassion.

On April 30, 2021, District 54 Treasurer Betty Richardson presented Altoona Mountain Lion Backpack Program Director, Amber Smith, the member's donation checks as well as the matching funds donation check from GBU. The presentation was at the warehouse where the food is stored and packed.

The Altoona Mountain Lion Backpack Program website is www.mountainlionbackpackprogram.org.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Turn Over a New Leaf in September and Learn a New Language

August 29, 2025

As days shorten and leaves begin to change, September invites us to refocus our minds to new possibilities. What better way to grow than by learning a new language?

Life Insurance: Do You Have Enough?

August 27, 2025

Do you have enough life insurance for your family?

How to Find Back to School Discounts and Deals

August 12, 2025

A handy guide to help you find the best prices on school supplies, electronics, clothing and more.

With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.

Save on Back-to-School Shopping with These Simple Steps

August 11, 2025

With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.

College student standing in dorm room hallway

Your Comprehensive Guide for Dorm Room Essentials

August 4, 2025

A handy guide to dorm room must-haves that will help you create a cozy, organized and stylish space.

Celebrate National Wellness Month with Optimity

July 31, 2025

August is National Wellness Month, a time to reflect on your health and commit to simple habits that support a well-balanced lifestyle. That’s where Optimity enters.

Beat the Heat with VIP Perks! this Summer

July 17, 2025

Staying cool in the summer can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget. If you're a GBU member, you have access to a fun benefit!

Estate Planning Made Simple with Law Assure

June 30, 2025

When it comes to planning for the future, there are few things more meaningful than knowing your legacy will make a lasting impact. At GBU, we’re proud to offer members the tools and resources needed to protect what matters most while also providing meaningful ways to give back.

Growing Impact: GBU Foundation Giving Update

June 26, 2025

Since December 2024, donors have contributed an impressive $1,443,000 to the GBU Foundation, establishing new scholarship, educational grant and donor-advised charitable funds. These gifts help to shape a brighter future for students, communities and charitable causes across the country.

Leave a Legacy with Life Insurance and Annuities

June 26, 2025

Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a meaningful way to leave behind an impact on the causes and organizations you care about. By incorporating life insurance and annuities into your estate planning, you can maximize the benefits of your legacy gifts, ensuring they are both impactful and tax efficient.