The Beans & Rice program began with a small Guadalupe elementary school, Frank School when a teacher Cory Wilkins recognized the needs of her students.  Her father, Mike Wilkins, was a member of Tempe Sunrise Kiwanis and like many organizations they were donating holiday dinners - hams, turkeys, and all the trimmings.  Mike explained that the families didn't have the ovens, refrigeration, or cookware needed for these wonderful dinners.   However Beans and rice would be practical and appreciated.  The purchased 1000 lbs of beans and 1000 lbs of rice for the families of Frank School.  The Tempe Sunrise Kiwanis Club expanded the program expanded the program to four schools in conjunction with Connecting with Kids, a group of social workers that provide everyday essentials to students in need so they can attend school ready to learn. The program was to give each of the four schools 500 lbs of beans and 500 lbs of rice (each comes in 10 lb bags).  In 2004 14 schools participated, including Frank School, which is still sponsored by the Wilkins family.  In 2007, 20 schools participated.  The program also contributes 500 lbs of beans and 500 lbs of rice to Connecting with Kids.  The organizers hopes to assist families in more than  30 schools this year.  The program would like  to expand  to the High Schools.  Today, Tempe Sunrise Kiwanis, Tempe Impact Education Foundation, the school principals, and healthcare, and social workers coordinate this act of kindness.  More than 13,000 lbs will be distributed this year.

In 2008 21 schools and Connecting with Kids are participating in the Beans and Rice Program.  Beans & Rice will be distributed this year on December 3, 2010

The Tempe Sunrise Kiwanis Club is always in need to funds for this program.  The cost of Beans and Rice doubled in 2009.  Financial support is needed from the community to keep this important program going. Contact Bill Loughrige if you, as an individual, or your organization can make a contribution to this great program.  Donate on line.

Contact Bill Loughrige 480-223-8034 or  bill@statewidestreetsafety.com