Approximately 29.2 percent of children in Oregon are not always sure where their next meal is coming from, according to feedingamerica.org.
One of the programs that helps combat child hunger in the community is the Share Bear Snack Pack Program, which was designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other food resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations. The program is funded through donations, like those provided by the Mr. MHS program.
Every year a group of seniors is selected to be a part of the program. This year’s contestants are Colby Gillett, John Hampton, Jacob Klein, Hunter Olson, Derek Seevers, Andrew Sharp and Tyler Yeager. The contestants each choose a senior girl who will assist them in reaching their goals for the pageant. They then compete for the title of Mr. MHS 2015 and while doing so, they will help provide for 750 children in Coos County.
Gillett said he joined the program because he wanted to help out in the community.
“It’s great to go down there and pack food knowing how many kids it’s going to help,” Gillett said.
The members of the program have set a goal to raise $20,000. In order to reach that amount, the members will host fundraisers during the months leading up to the pageant, which will be held on April 11th in the Marshfield auditorium at 7 pm. The winner will be crowned based on his performance in the various pageant segments and on the amount of money he and his senior girl raised.
“I’ve set a personal goal of winning the talent portion of the competition. I’ve been practicing since October,” Gillett said.
Head coordinators Alysen Barker and Cora Messerle, along with junior coordinators Khalani Hoyer and Cheyenne McNeely are responsible for keeping the program running smoothly.
“We get the word out about events and help organize them,” Barker said. “A big part of the job is also making sure the guys are doing what they’re supposed to, which is hard to do sometimes.”
Past fundraisers have included a bottle drive, dodgeball tournament and selling calendars featuring the contestants. Future events include a volleyball game between the Mr. MHS contestants and North Bend’s Mr. Bulldog contestants, which will take place on March 18th at North Bend High School, and a steak dinner on April 2nd in the MHS cafeteria. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased from any Mr. MHS contestant or his senior girl for $15.
“In a community this small it’s important to give back and this is one way that I can,” Barker said. “A lot of the people who receive the snack packs I personally know, so it’s great to put a face to those who you are helping.”
