[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E705-E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE BACKPACK BUDDIES FOUNDATION OF LOUDOUN

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Backpack 
Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, a local organization that aims to ensure 
that all children and students not only receive food during the week at 
school but also on weekends. Recently, this organization donated 
$41,000 to 18 groups across Loudoun County that support backpack buddy 
programs, including churches, schools, PTAs, and food pantries.
  My constituent, Mr. Daniel Hampton, founded the Backpack Buddies 
Foundation of Loudoun in 2014, and at the time the organization served 
two schools and approximately 275 kids. This school year, still under 
his leadership, 82 schools and over 3,600 students participated in 
backpack buddies programs. While this is an excellent testament to the 
organization's growth, it also speaks to the amount of students that 
often go without food on weekends, and I am thankful that 
organizations, like Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, exist to 
help combat this issue.
  Each year, the organization raises money for Backpack Buddy programs 
across Northern Virginia, yet this year marked a new fundraising 
record. The $41,000 raised allowed for the organization to disperse 
funds to 18 grant recipients in amounts ranging from $500 to $15,000, 
helping students all across Loudoun County. Most of the funds were 
raised at their

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annual Friendsgiving Dinner. However, they also host several other 
fundraisers and events throughout the year in their effort to support 
this important cause. While the organization is thrilled with this 
year's fundraising initiatives and grant program, they hope that next 
year they will be able to help even more children in Northern Virginia. 
The organization's leadership in ensuring that every student of Loudoun 
County is properly fed and taken care of is truly exemplary, and I 
appreciate their ambition in support of our most needy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others in thanking 
Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun for their continuous efforts to 
aid our students who are in need. I am extremely grateful for the 
impact this organization has had on Virginia's 10th District and the 
entire Commonwealth of Virginia, and I look forward to speaking of its 
continued success in the future.

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