Donated snacks keep student hunger away

TREAT Givers:
Manuel and Marilyn Vassion gather donations and give healthy snacks to local school children.

Anderson resident Manuel Vassion works tirelessly to make sure elementary school-aged children don't sit through class with an empty belly.

For three years, Vassion and his wife Marilyn have been scouting Anderson and Redding area businesses, seeking donations, buying healthy snacks and delivering them to children at Acorns to Oaks Charter School and Anderson Heights Elementary School.

"A lot of kids go to school hungry every morning," Vassion said.

Vassion wants to make sure these kids have a healthy snack so they can concentrate on learning. He donates snacks to a total of 310 children.

"We buy apples, oranges and bananas, pretzels. We don't buy candy. No cookies – nothing like that – just healthy snacks," Vassion said.

Vassion gets donated food from local grocery stores, while other businesses give monetary donations. When all of the donations have been collected, Vassion and his wife go shopping.

Although the task takes a huge amount of time, the Anderson couple hasn't wavered in their dedication.

"It's a lot of work, but we get it done," he said.

Vassion said he's seen his efforts pay off in many ways, from the thanks he gets from young children, to witnessing the generosity of local businesses.

"You would be surprised every time I take something over the school, the kids say, ‘Thank you Mr. Vassion.' A lot of kids know how to pronounce my last name. A lot of grownups can't do that," he chuckled.

Vassion said he couldn't accomplish the large task without local businesses and community members.

"A lot of people are very generous," Vassion said.

Because of Vassion's unwavering dedication to his cause, people have started recognizing him on the streets.

"I get money from complete strangers," he said.

Some businesses have been loyal sources of donations.

"As soon as I walk into the businesses, they say ‘I know what you want Manuel. Here you go," Vassion said.

Linda Casados, the office manager at Acorns to Oaks charter school, said the Vassions' contributions have been invaluable.

"We currently serve approximately 40 students, 60 percent of whom are from low-income families," Casados stated. "State budget cuts, along with our small school size and lack of school lunch program have directly hindered to what degree we are able to help these students when hunger affects the attention they need to give to their teachers and their work."

The school sends thanks to those business and community members who gave donations for the cause.

"Every gift is valuable and goes directly to the kids in the form of a healthy snack," Casados stated.

Anyone interested in contributing healthy snacks to the students can contact Manuel Vassion at 365-7955.