BPS Food Workers Return "Blessings" to Blessings in a Backpack
On Tuesday, Chartwell's food service workers presented a $2,000 check to Janet McDuffy, the Kennedy School's retired director of math and science curriculum.
She and her daughters Jami Milnamow, a Kennedy teacher, and Meg Schoenberg,founded Blessings in a Backpack in January 2014. The Brockton school-based program provides food for the district's neediest children to take home for the weekend when often the only hot meal they might see is served from Monday to Friday in school.
Food Services Director Tom Burke said the department's 155 workers saved the money over time by contributing $1 each every Friday in exchange for the opportunity to come to work dressed casually.
Those who prepare food and must wear uniforms kicked in a dollar anyway, Burke said: "Everyone here always steps up," he said. "It's amazing the things they do for kids."
Burke said some of his employees regularly travel around the yard sale circuit, filling vans with toys and other items which they also give away.
All have big hearts, he said: "And they never want to be recognized" for their kindness.