We again had a very succesful school year, serving between 125 and 150 students every Monday morning when school is in session. Winter was very long and cooold, but our volunteers were faithful and the students appreciated the hot chocolate. Of course, now since the weather has turned more humane, the iced tea is being snapped up as fast as we can pour it.

The ministry would not be possible without the support of the church and the congregation who have given so generously to keep this program going. We will have closed out the school year at a break-even point.

It also takes a great crew of dedicated volunteers to make this work every Monday morning. Harry Huber is here around 6 AM to start things going with getting the water hot and bringing out the snacks. Our cocoa makers Joan Gladfelter and Jean Woodland come in a litle later along with Nevin Gladfelter and Don and Joyce Killian, who act as initial greeters. When it gets really busy, everyone is outside pouring , serving and running back inside to make some more hot chocolate. It gets hectic but it is fun and worth the effort. Harry ends the day by walking the route to school, picking up any trash left along the way.

While we don't want any snacks during the summer months, cash is always welcomed as it will give us a good start for the beginning of school in September.

For a little over a year, members of Christ United Methodist Church on East Walnut Street, have been handing out drinks and snack foods to students walking to school on Monday mornings.

The program is called "Snap Crackle Pop" for the Rice Krispies treats often served. Churh members also provide cookies, boxes of raisins, and other treats, as well as iced tea in warm weather and hot chocolate when it's cold.

Students on their way to classes at Lincoln Middle School and McKaskey East High School appreciate the food. For some, it is the only breakfast they will eat.

Church members, including Joyce and Don Killian, Harry Huber, Carol Suter, Nevin and Joan Gladfelter and Anne Norton, began the program after the September 11^th attacks, believing that children need more friends in a strange new world. The congregation supports the program with contributions.

For their service, always with a smile, The New Era presents a red rose to the participating members of Christ United Methodist Church.

We wish to extend sincere thanks to Turkey Hill Dairy for their support of our program. Turkey Hill has generously donated 30 coupons for free half gallon containers of their Iced Tea in support of our Monday morning school ministry.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the rest of the community for their continued support of this important program.

These letters were written to our church
about our Snap Crackle Pop Program:

November 14, 2001

To church members: "1st Prize" is what you receive from me. My 7th - 9th grade days were spent walking to school from Pershing Ave. (½ block from Edward Hand) to Lincoln Jr. High - 13 - blocks - all kinds of weather! Right past your church!! That was in 1968, 1969, and 1970! Because of redistricting.

Hot chocolate sounds wonderful to start a week of school!! What an excellent idea...

Thanks!!

Ellen Dirian Lutz
JP McCaskey, Class of 1973

November 16, 2001

Dear Ms. Killian,

I want to commend you and your church for a wonderful outreach program. I read about Snap-Crackle-Pop in the newspaper. It seems so simple, but potentially effective. It sounds like the kids are looking forward to these Monday mornings.

I have an 8th grader. He usually gets little breakfast. I've also noticed how eagerly he interacts wth other adults. Parents are reaching the stage of little immediate influence, (we have to rely on past training to carry over). It is so important for them to have this positive reaction with you and the other church members. Good luck and God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Carolyn French