NO ONE is too young, too old, too small, or too insignificant to make a difference.
Take, for instance, Tullahoma’s own Chandler Lawson. Though she was just a teenager at the time, she launched a charitable program almost two decades ago that is still going strong today.
According to the current director and president, Jenny Nichols, the program is now known as 5 Loaves 4 Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides food to hungry children.
In critical cases, the only meals children regularly receive are those they get during the school day. On weekends, these children have very little to eat. 5 Loaves 4 Kids, along with their partner, Second Harvest Food Bank, fills the gap with bags of food the children can take home at the end of each week. Since its inception in 2007, more than 127,000 bags of food have been distributed to children in need in Tullahoma.
5 Loaves 4 Kids provides the plan, but it relies upon its “village” to put the plan into motion.
“We are anonymous. We don’t know the children we are helping, but we care.” Nichols said. “Teachers, cafeteria workers, or any of the people who interact with the child during the day can let us know about a child in need.”
The organization then sends a permission slip home with the child, asking in advance about any allergies the child may have.
Every weekend during the school year, 5 Loaves 4 Kids fills empty tummies with individually wrapped, nonperishable food items such as fruit cups, apple sauce, beef stew, beanie weenies, crackers, cereal, raisins, and juice boxes. Sometimes the packers can add extra non-food items, such as toiletries. Every February, local dentists provide toothbrushes.
It’s during the month of February that the organization kicks off its month-long “Count Me In” campaign. The goal is to raise funds through individual donations and pledges to fill bags for an entire school year. A donation of $6.50, typically the cost of a cup of coffee, fills one bag, which feeds a child four meals and three snacks over one weekend.
Other members of the “village” include numerous individuals, civic organizations, businesses, and churches who regularly contribute financially or physically by helping to package or deliver the items to the eight Tullahoma City schools with children who benefit from the program, as well as qualifying students in their preschool programs.
“There are numerous groups and individuals who help out. Lane Curlee holds his annual Christmas Day Dinner for participants as well as all individuals in the area, and the Farris Family Christmas Light Show contributes a portion of their donations,” Nichols said. “SmartBank and Wellworth Bank in Tullahoma provide collection jars for donations, and the Coca-Cola company sends lots of people to help out.”
There are numerous others who help, and the organization has also benefited from food drives and grants.
Volunteers of all ages and walks of life show up at 8:45 on Thursday mornings in the basement of the old West Middle School, behind the South Jackson Performing Arts Center, to stock the shelves, pack the bags, and clean up the empty boxes.
“We have had homeschool groups, retired senior citizens, and stay-at-home mothers to help out,” Nichols said. “We’ve even had high school students who don’t have a first-period class to show up.”
Nichols has worked with the program for 15 years, and during that time, she has performed most of the tasks required to keep the organization going. Having been named director and president, she now spends considerable time talking to groups and individuals. Whatever the current need may be, she is ready to work.
Nichols has a background in both the medical field and the school system. She is married to Rob Nichols, a board-certified internist specializing in adult care, chronic disease management, and preventive medicine. They have four children. Bobby, 20, goes to Millington University, where he also plays baseball. Lauren is a senior at Tullahoma High School and plays soccer. William, 16, plays baseball and runs cross-country. Their youngest, Charlie, 13, enjoys wrestling and playing baseball.
“Everyone in our family has helped out in some way,” Jennie Nichols said. “I remember taking my children when they were little. Their jobs would be to take the empty boxes to a central location. Some people might not feel at ease with children underfoot, but I’ve always thought it important to teach children how to help.”
“Of course, there is no greater blessing than to know you are helping hungry kids,” Nichols said. “But there is also a second blessing. Getting involved is a great way to meet like-minded people. You are able to make connections, form new friendships, and even learn about other community events.”
These blessings are available to everyone. Everyone is qualified to make a difference. GN
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of the organization and ways to get involved can visit the website at 5loaves4kidscharity.com for more details. The group can also be found on Facebook. All checks should be made payable to “5 Loaves 4 Kids.”
Anyone wishing to make a financial donation can mail a check to the organization’s treasurer:
Belinda Bricken
P.O. Box 597
Tullahoma, TN 37388
