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Families getting food, books for kids at Indy school

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INDIANAPOLIS — Putting food on the table has become a real problem for some families in this time. This means learning may get put on the backburner.

RTV6 partner United Way of Central Indiana is making sure reading is still alive during the pandemic.

Lawrence Township schools has set up five different food distribution sites to bring food to hundreds of families each week. Lawrence Township serves five breakfasts and five lunches every Monday.

“It’s been tough,” said parent Eunik March. “But me and my family – we’re hanging in there. … I think it’s wonderful.”

With the food, families are also getting books.

United Way of Central Indiana and Roche Diagnostics have partnered to donate books to kids as part of their Readup program, keeping the power of reading and literacy alive during the pandemic.

"Since not all the families coming through are Brook Park [Elementary School] families, we are able to serve just the brook park community as a whole, which will be incredibly meaningful for kids to have books in their hands," said Alicia Gatewood, Brook Park Elementary Principal. “We just want them to know we’re here and we’re available for them for whatever they need. We want them to know the school is closed, out service to them has not closed.”

RTV6 is teaming up for the COVID-19 community economic relief fund. The initiative supports organizations that serve people and families affected by the pandemic. You can donate to the fund by texting "Help 2020" to 91999.