Operation Snack Pack Connection recently kicked off in the Parkland School District .

According to Rotarian Gloria Zimmerman, this is the second year Allentown West Rotary Club members worked with school officials and teachers to provide weekend Snack Packs for economically disadvantaged students in the elementary and middle schools.

"The Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Allentown West-Western Lehigh County met with school officials last year to determine the greatest need of students and to see how the club could help," Zimmerman said. "Administrators identified their greatest concern was at-risk students eat their main meal at lunchtime in school and then have little or nothing for the evening meal or on weekends at home."

With this understanding, Operation Snack Pack Connection was developed.

The snack packs contain various non-perishable food items, such as cereal, one-dish meals, fruit and healthy snacks.

Fifteen students from the Interact Club at Parkland High School recently helped to fill the snack packs, working side-by-side with the nine Rotary members.

"It's a great way to pass on the importance of service from one generation to the next," said Rotarian Sue Weber.

Jordan United Church of Christ, Asbury United Methodist Church, and Jordan Lutheran Church, along with individuals have partnered with the Rotary club to provide funds to purchase items for the snack packs.

"Living the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self' is part of who the Rotarians are," Zimmerman said. "We invite you, as community members, to join us in helping the disadvantaged families in our neighborhood by becoming part of this worthwhile community project."

For more information, contact Zimmerman at 610-395-0763 or email her at gfzimm@ptd.net to discuss ways to help support Operation Snack Pack Connection.