{Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Thirteen of Fifty-Two}

“Let your light shine.”

I know I am a couple weeks behind and I was letting it get to me, but also know I am doing this for myself. So in order for it to be successful and grow I know I need to just go with the flow also. This week’s blog is featuring on of my favorite people. She has a heart of gold, her advice and wisdom is breathtaking, and this woman is ever so faithful to our Lord which makes me even more proud of the women she is. This week’s feature goes out to Nichole Sullivan of Blessings in a Backpack.

Blessings in a Backpack is a non-profit organization that provides food to school children in the United States who currently are fed during the week at school, but are at risk of going hungry on the weekends. I know I didn’t realize how many children suffer hunger in our own community. We all seem to be able to turn a blind eye or even think it’s not happening where we live. The sad fact is it is right here! It is happening in our community and most have no clue. This program was started in 2005 in the US and Sheila Harr with King’s Portion brought it to Douglas in 2014. I got this from http://blessingsinabackpack.org/ “One in five American children face food insecurity - more than the populations of New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago combined. During the school week, most of these children depend on the federal free and reduced meal program their school offers. Sometimes, the meals at school are the only ones they get. When the school closes its doors on Friday afternoon, many of these children go home to empty cupboards and empty bellies for 65 hours until they return to school on Monday morning. Who will feed them this weekend?”

The program here in Douglas started with only 35 children at The Douglas Primary School in 2014. It has expanded to all 5 schools here in our small community now. How amazing is that! They serve a total of 85 children this school year. “We are very excited to be extending our services to the summer school children as well!” Nichole says. As King’s Portion, Blessings in a Backpack also runs on donations from the city, corporate and private donations. I asked Nichole how she got involved with the program and what called her to want to be the leader. “I felt called to help at The King’s Portion in some way, last year. Shelia aligned me with the Blessings program at that time. The director was moving and I was asked if I would be interested in being the new director. I didn’t hesitate and knew then that this is why God called me to this program.” Nichole said. Once a month they receive their shipment of food from the Food Bank of the Rockies. When I asked what it all entails to get ready for the weeks Nichole said “It takes my husband and I an hour or two to organize, shelf and process the shipment each month. We then come in each Sunday afternoon and get all the food for the week ready to be packed. Every Monday night our family and volunteers come in to fill all 85 bags with the current week’s food. We have amazing help and volunteers. Felica Smith from MHCC is a huge help also as she delivers all the bags to the schools after we have filled them for the week.” 

“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”

I love that my children and Nichole’s children help fill the bags and understand that we are there to help, to serve, and that we are truly blessed as some are not as fortunate as we are. I asked Nichole what the greatest blessing from this program was and what was the most rewarding. She says “One of the greatest blessings from this program is seeing the children’s faces light up in excitement from the blessing in their backpack and knowing they have food to keep them full over the weekend. I would say the most rewarding part of this program is serving with my husband and children and all the teachable moments it has had. To see my children pray, pack bags, and be excited that the children have food is the best reward. 

Getting to know Nichole…

What is your biggest fear….Something happening to my husband or children!

What is your greatest accomplishment….My two beautiful children and my amazing husband.

What is your biggest struggle running this program….My biggest struggle /fear for the program would be there are children who need food and aren’t getting our help.

What is your favorite Bible verse….Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What is on your bucket list….I would love in the near future to go on a family mission trip.

What is something you want the public to know most about this program….It is an amazing program designed to help children in times of need, especially right now with the economy.

Who inspires you and why….Lysa Terkeurst all the amazing things she does at Proverbs 31 ministries. I inspire to be more like her and bring hope and love to so many! I also love Joanna Gaines and her beautiful work/touches she does on homes!

What is your favorite quote….”Let your light shine!”

One word to describe “Nichole” and why she inspires you…..

“Creative! She's an inspiration because she has an enormous heart that cares about and for everyone.” - Tosha Robbins

"Gentle.  Nichole is a tender lady, with a sweet and gentle spirit.  She has a calming presence and is always encouraging and interested in others.  She is a dear person!" - Elizabeth Ostrander

“Beautiful! I first met Nicole when I started working at the school. She made me feel welcome right away without hesitation. She has a beautiful personality, and beautiful inside and out.” –Sherry Evans

“Genuine!  Nichole just has one of those pure souls, untainted by the cynicism of the world around her.  Always pleasant, always helpful, always sincere, Nichole blesses everyone who has the chance to meet her.  She is a beautiful soul!” –Becky Soske

“Pure! Nicole is pure sweetness! If you are ever having a bad day just go to Nicole & she will pick you up & she truly cares about what might be wrong. I am blessed to know her & the children are blessed to get to be around her. Woman of God, sweet friend, wonderful mommy & faithful wife.” –Bridget Stinson

“Sunshine. She is an inspiration because she is so kind and always has a smile on her face, I love her positive attitude.” - Amelie Tomlin

“Family. She is a wonderful mother and wife who is very devoted to her family. That includes her extended family as well. She is always there if she is needed.” –Jamie Sillivan

“Sweet-spirited! Nichole has such a sweet presence about her. She is kind-hearted and has a true interest in others. She is the kind of person that lights up the room with her smile!” –Abby Harris

“Caring! She does anything she can to help anyone in need and has a big loving heart.” - Sherril McClure

“Self-sacrificing!! Nichole is so unselfish in her actions, always placing another’s' needs above her own. She would go to the moon and back for her boys and husband. It doesn’t matter if she is busy, or if she is going through her own moments of struggles, or sick in bed, she stops what she's doing and gives of her time, love and energy to those near and dear to her.  On one occasion recently, Nichole was very sick, she sacrificed herself for the needs of the students, and made sure their backpacks were filled with food...all 85 backpacks to be exact. During that same time, (and many other times), she has stopped throughout her day just to say "hello Sheila, was thinking of you today, praying for you, is there anything I can do for you"? Such self-sacrifice this woman has. Not to mention a sweet gentle spirit. Immediately one scripture comes to mind when I think of Nichole and her self-sacrificing ways. In John 15:13 it says; "Greater love has no man than this, that He would lay down his life for his friends". That describes my dear friend Nichole! I'm blessed to have her in my life, and as a dear friend.” –Shelia Harr

“Sweet and caring! I have known Nichole since our kids were in the same daycare years ago.  She is one of the kindest, most caring, and giving ladies I know.  I admire how much she takes the time to make someone's day special.” – Mandi Seipel

I love Monday evenings. I love to watch the children’s excitement to help and willingness to do this teaches them so much. This program is near and dear to my heart and my children’s hearts. My children and I have been volunteering for a little over a year and I was super excited to hear Nichole was taking charge. I knew she would be the perfect fit for such an amazing program.

Thank you again Nichole for allowing me to question you, and take images for this project. Your truly an inspiration! 

 Blessings in a Backpack is located at

King’s Portion

1954 East Richards St.

Madora Plaza, Suites #11 & #12 (east of Shopko)

How can you get involved?

To support the King's Portion and or Blessings in a Backpack you might want to consider:

Prayer for the food pantry

Donating food items

Donating money

Volunteer your time and energy

If you are a local Business or group:

Hold a food drive

Make a corporate contribution

Any and all support is GREATLY appreciated!!