Hands of Hope

Cole's Pantry began with one child and his love for others. Second-grader Cole Pelican knew there were children in his school going hungry and wanted to help. He would take food from his own home and share it with friends so they had something to eat after school and on the weekend. In the midst of his generosity, however, Cole's life was tragically taken in a horseback riding accident in 2009.

His sister, Fallon, wanted to honor Cole when she joined the Bridger Montana FCCLA. She felt the best way to do that was to help the children he worried most about-hungry kids in rural communities. It began in 2010 with a $500 grant-enough to provide for 11 kids in 8 local families. By the end of 2023, Cole's Pantry programs were feeding over 4,187 students in 36 rural communities across Montana.

The best part is that all of these programs are run by students in their individual communities with the help of an adult advisor. Each week, students pack food in bags for their fellow students, many whose only food comes from subsidized school lunches. The only person who knows the recipients identities is the school secretary or the advisor.

Absolutely no tax or government funds are used for this program. it operates thanks to year -round donations. Our ability to continue and grow this program depends on the generosity of individuals and corporate support.

100% of contributions go directly to feed Montana's hungry children.