Project Joy partners with Union Gospel Mission to help feed hungry kids this summer

A new chapter for Project Joy as they continue their mission to feed hungry kids.

They have partnered with Union Gospel Mission to start Project Joy Bags this summer.

“The thought of kids being hungry all weekend is just too hard to really imagine. So we’re really thrilled that we can offer this again in the community. Especially through the summer when kids might not have any access to that,” shared Laura Plys, founder of Project Joy.

Last week, they delivered a $17,500 check to UGM to start the bags.

The bags will be given out to youth organizations like Boys and Girls Club in Lincoln Park, Damiano’s Kids’ Kitchen, Neighborhood Youth Services, and Valley Youth Center.

The first ones will be packed up on June 14th, and head out to the organizations for that following weekend. They are starting with 130 or so.

Katie Hagglund, the executive director of UGM, said, “We realized that there was this gap here in the community of where do kids get meals during the weekends in the summer? And certainly here at the mission, we have the capacity and the space to put these together. But we needed the funds and Laura and her crew didn’t even hesitate.”

And UGM wants to hear from you, if you think kids in your organization could benefit.

Project Joy is a non-profit that strives to end childhood hunger. Laura Plys and her family started it in honor of Duluth Hall of Famer Patrick Plys, who battled brain cancer for years. And his motto was, “I Choose Joy.”

They raise money through their annual event at the Duluth Curling Club in November, and at the House of Hearts Charity Bonspiel in March, also at the DCC.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/projectjoynorthland

Union Gospel Mission contact info: https://duluth-ugm.org/notes-from-the-director-s-desk/