Many small children receive little to no nourishment between lunch at school on Friday and breakfast at school on Monday. Back Pack Pals is changing that.

Elvis Tribute Artist Roy Gaddy is just one of the performers who will take the stage to raise money for the local outreach program, run by non-profit Helping Hands of Hamlet, on Feb. 7 at Fairview Heights School.

According to Bishop Steve Crews, founder and director of Back Pack Pals, the program works with school social workers to identify children who get little or nothing to eat over the weekend. Every Friday, those children receive back packs filled with kid-friendly fare that is both nutritious and easy to open. The children must return their packs to receive the next week’s rations. All program participants qualify for free and reduced meals at school.

“We heard from teachers and assistants who were bringing in food themselves; they had young children who would come in each Monday and complain of hunger and show signs of extreme hunger, even after eating breakfast,” said Crews, who started Back Pack Pals with 36 students at Rohanen Elementary School in 2007.

Now, on a weekly basis, Back Pack Pals feeds between 200 and 250 students at five primary schools: Monroe Avenue, Fairview Heights, Rohanen, Cordova and Mineral Springs. Crews said they are looking to add West Rockingham, Ashley Chapel, Washington Street and L.J. Bell.

“We’re concentrate on the elementary schools because those children are the ones who have the most trouble getting out and finding food. It is hard for children that young to fend for themselves,” said Crews.

Monroe Avenue Principal Alva Ezzell said Back Pack Pals contributes to her goal of making school a “safe haven” for children.

“We have four-year-olds to fifth-graders here, and a those who participate in the program really, really need the contents of that backpack. You or I may be able to go out and find some food - but children, being at home all weekend, they can’t. And it’s not their fault.”

Roy Gaddy and Friends will be in concert at 6 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Fairview Heights School in Hamlet. Featured tribute artists will impersonate and pay tribute to Elvis, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children ages 6-12, and may be purchase at Clewis Service Center in Hamlet, Mabry’s Drug Store in Hamlet, RBC Centura Banks in Hamlet and Rockingham, and Ellerbe Pharmacy. All proceeds benefit Back Pack Pals.

For more information on the Back Pack Pals program, contact Bishop Steve Crews at 557-3149 or 334-1009.