HAMLET — While many were prepping for Super Bowl parties, deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office were packing meal bags for students.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies packed around 300 bags Sunday afternoon for BackPack Pals.
Last December, Sheriff James Clemmons presented a $1,550 check to BackPack Pals to help with the organization’s continuing efforts to keep kids in Richmond County fed.
The money was raised by the deputies through a program that allowed them to grow facial hair and wear modest beards while in uniform.
BackPack Pals, a nationally recognized program, doesn’t receive any federal government funding, but instead relies on volunteers, grants and donations from the community.
Public Relations Director Kim Lindsey said last year that BackPack Pals has been feeding about 600 children each week, providing bags to the county’s elementary schools.
