TOP STORY OF THE DAY Brought to you FREE by WICU: $1,000 Awarded to Ascension St. Vincent Backpack Program

IVY JACOBS photo - Duke Energy Foundation is helping to support the Ascension St. Vincent Backpack Program with a $1,000 grant. Pictured are Ascension St. Vincent Pharmacy Manager Sarah Cox and Duke Energy Indiana Community Relations Manager for West Central Indiana Rick Burger during a check presentation.

COVID-19 put a damper on a lot of events since its arrival in March, but Duke Energy Foundation is helping to fill the gap with a $1,000 grant.

“The foundation is proud to help support this important program for local children and their families,” said Rick Burger, Duke Energy Indiana Community Relations Manager for West Central Indiana. “Funding to support education is one of the foundation’s priorities.”

Each year, between 300-800 children in the community receive much-needed supplies at the beginning of the school year said Ascension St. Vincent Pharmacy Manager Sarah Cox.

IVY JACOBS photo - Ascension St. Vincent Pharmacy Manager Sarah Cox holds an example of the backpacks filled with school supply kits for local students. Each year, between 300-800 children in the community receive much-needed supplies at the beginning of the school year.

“Since our fundraising events were put on hold this year due to COVID-19,” Cox (pictured below) said.

The program relies on community donations to support this the program, but the biggest event said Cox, The Festival of Trees, was canceled, “This the contribution will go a long way and truly make a difference for children in our community.”