MONROE — The Monsignor Thomas F. Campion Charitable Fund granted money to two public entities recently.

The fund gave $5,000 to the Backpack Buddies Program in the School District of Monroe, addressing food insecurity at home for children ages 1-18 in Monroe. This program began in 2015 and has grown from 30 students in one school to serving more than 127 students in all five Monroe public schools.  All donated funds are used to purchase food like fruits, vegetables and non-perishable items by volunteers and community members.  

This  program happens with no school district or taxpayer monies. Recently a request appeared in the Monroe Times asking for help to continue this program. With this donation and others from individuals and businesses in the community, the Backpack Buddies program should be funded through the 2025 school year and summer school program. Fund organizers ask the public to consider making a donation or volunteering for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Monsignor Thomas F. Campion Charitable Fund also gifted the City of Monroe Park & Recreation Department $10,000 to have a pickle ball court named after Monsignor Campion in their new pickleball court project at Northeast Park.  

In 2023, pickleball became the fifth fastest growing sport in the United States. In Monroe, outdoor pickleball has grown 600% in just Park & Rec participation alone. Pickleball is both a youth and lifelong sport. Fund organizers said they were pleased to support this project and hope to see it come to fruition this year.