BY THE CHRONICLE STAFF

An effort to help nourish and support area children during the summer months through backpacks filled with weekend snacks is currently taking place at Steve Austin’s Auto Group.

Residents can help support local families by donating individually wrapped snack items through July 13 at the auto dealership, 2500 S. Main St., Bellefontaine.

The donated items will benefit the Logan County Neighborhood Outreach Centers, which are operated by Logan County Children’s Services.

“This year, we’re trying to get enough snacks for the kids to take home over the weekend for all three outreach programs,” Steve Austin’s representatives said. “The kids absolutely love this.”

The dealership is serving as a collection site for the collection drive and is accepting donations of peanut butter or cheese crackers, juice boxes, fruit chews, chips and similar individually wrapped items.

Donations may be dropped off at Steve Austin’s Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The centers provide family-centered, neighborhood-based services designed to strengthen families, keep children safe and foster stronger communities.

The Western Neighborhood Outreach Center is located at 520 Garfield Ave. in Bellefontaine and is open during the summer from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The Chippewa Neighborhood Outreach Center, located at 13976 Ironwood Ave. in Lakeview, opened in 2000 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the summer.

The Russells Point Neighborhood Outreach Center, located at 601 Lincoln Blvd., opened in 2008 and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The outreach centers were established to serve neighborhoods with significant demographic, child welfare and criminal justice concerns by partnering with residents to identify local needs and organize programs that promote safe children, stable families and positive community involvement.

Programs offered throughout the year include homework assistance, mentoring, nutrition education, job training, computer safety education, outreach to senior citizens and family activity nights.

Through the Kids Helping Neighbors program, children volunteer in their communities by assisting residents with seasonal projects such as leaf raking and snow removal.

Summer activities include neighborhood cleanups, a summer food program, tutoring and reading programs, gardening, arts and crafts, swimming, bowling, golf instruction and educational outings.

Each year, the centers also host back-to-school picnics that provide food, family activities and backpacks filled with school supplies. More than 650 backpacks have been distributed through the annual events with the support of local businesses and community donors, helping local students begin the school year ready to learn. ■