205 N. Missouri Ave., Mansfield, MO  65704   

 Phone 417/924-7070  • Fax 417/924-2816

The Lions Share is a group of concerned citizens who wish to bring the weekend backpack program to children at our school and we are in need of your support.  On average it costs approximately $7.50 per child for a backpack of food.  We are asking for contributions to fill this need. We gladly accept donations of food items as well as financial support.

The Way Lion Share Works:

The Lions Share Program operates on a referral basis only. Referrals come from the classroom teacher, school nurse, counselors, and administrators.  The referral is then evaluated by the Lions Share Committee to determine if there is a sufficient need since resources are limited. If the board approves the recommendation, a letter is sent home with the child for the parents to sign in order to accept the assistance. Once accepted, the committee then notifies the Mansfield Community Center of the additional number of children to pack for. The backpacks are then taken to school on Fridays to be distributed through the school nurse's office. Confidentiality is maintained at all times; the Mansfield Community Center is not supplied with the names of the families, only the number in the family and if there children with special dietary needs. 

Currently, we have approximately 30 students at risk as identified by school personnel.  As of January 2010, there are 19 children on the Lions Share Program. According to the Missouri Hunger Atlas 23% of children under the age of 18 are considered "food insecure" and 5% of these children are living with hunger daily.

How Everything Comes Together:

Volunteers and Mansfield Area Community Betterment Board Members pack boxes of food for The Lions Share Program. We sent enough food home for the two weeks school was out. The Lions Share Program is commonly known as a weekend backpack program. Staci Alsup and Jennifer Morris are the driving forces behind the program. Once the program was up and going it was decided to make this a committee of Mansfield Community Betterment due to the non for profit status. Food is stored at the Mansfield Community Center; backpacks are packed at the center on Wednesdays and delivered to school on Fridays. Thank you once again for the continued support of our community. For questions or comments you may contact Staci (Sheri) Alsup at MCC or Jennifer Morris at Mansfield R-IV Schools.

How You Can Help:

The Lions Share Program and the Lions Share Committee is governed by the Mansfield Area Community Betterment Organization, a 501c3 not for profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Food donations must be taken to the Mansfield Community Center; a list of commonly utilized food items is listed below. Be sure to give us a copy of your receipt in order to deduct the donation from your taxes. Monetary donations may be taken to the Mansfield Community Center, the Mansfield R-IV School Nurse, or Barbara Jackson at the Bank of Mansfield. Thank you for supporting your community.

Chicken with Rice

Mandarin Oranges

Wheat Crackers

Light Sliced Peaches

Vanilla Pudding

Tuna Salad Lunch Kit

Apple Creme Parfait

100% Fruit Juice

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Soup

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Soap

Shampoo/Conditioner