Local financial group helps take stress off families

Families in the Tipp City school district will have one less thing to stress about this winter break, thanks to the generosity of a local financial services company.

On December 11, the Main Street Financial Group (MSFG) hosted a Thrivent Community Impact Event at the Tipp Center to support the Tipp Monroe Community Services (TMCS) Backpack Program. The program provides weekend meals to more than 40 Tipp City students, ensuring no child goes hungry, according to Matt Buehrer, a financial associate with MSFG.

“The TMCS Backpack Program provides a supply of nutritious food for kids on the weekend and extended breaks from school,” Buehrer said. “Without this program, many kids in our school system would go hungry over the weekend.”

More than 160 Thrivent members and guests were in attendance as more than 160 packs of food were provided and purchased through Thrivent’s Fraternal Programming.

The Backpack Program was started in the fall of 2022 with collaboration with Tipp City Schools, according to Misty McDowell, TMCS Event Planner. The organization currently serves 43 children, which has doubled since last year. Last week’s Thrivent event provided four weeks' worth of bags, with the members donating additional items. 

“We are thankful for Thrivent's continued support and spotlighting the need in the community,” she said. 

Buehrer said that Thrivent is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society owned by its members and through the Thrivent Community Impact Program, these members have provided a $1.5 million economic impact to those they serve locally.

“We conduct several community events supporting charities around our area throughout the year,” he said.

Tipp Monroe Community Services will continue to team up with Tipp City Schools to provide weekend meals for students. The Backpack Program provides a weekend supply of nutritious food for children during weekends and extended school breaks. The program is open and available to any family in the Tipp City schools. Requests must be made through the school guidance counselor. There is no charge to participate in this program, according to McDowell.

How it works: each Friday bag contains enough nonperishable food for two breakfasts, two lunches, six snacks, and two dinners. TMCS collects and bags the donated food items for each child. A representative from the school board office collects the bags and ensures that each child in the program receives one before leaving school on Fridays. 

Donations are needed to sustain the program, said McDowell. All food donations must be single-serving size and individually wrapped. Any other individually packaged fruits, vegetables, meals, or other items will be accepted. 

If you wish to make a food or monetary donation, contact TMCS at 937-667-8631.