Packages of non-perishable foods were distributed to 20 needy children at Columbia Middle School on Jan. 14, just before the four-day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

The food backpacks were purchased and assembled by Columbia Christian Church, first of such weekly distributions initiated by Tyrrell Ministerial Association after hearing school superintendent Dr. Will Hoffman’s estimate that as many as 400 Tyrrell schoolchildren experience hunger to some degree every weekend.

Open Door Church, a new congregation that meets in Tyrrell Hall, has pledged to supply 20 backpacks on Jan. 22.

The Assembly of Praise and Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church joined as sponsors this past week.

Two more churches are expected to commit to the program before month’s end.

School counselors and principals decide who receives the 20 backpacks.

Individuals may join the program by “adopting a child” for $25 a month. Contributions of any amount are welcome. Donations may be sent to Tyrrell Ministerial Association, in care of Rev. Royce Reynolds, PO Box 22, Columbia 27925.