Hunger can affect any child, even those children you would never and least expect. These children suffer significantly in health issues, behavior difficulties, as well as academic performance. Gum Drops plays a crucial role in the lives of these at risk-children by bringing down the barriers caused by hunger. Gum Drops is a non-for-profit organization that began in January 2008. In 2008, Gum Drops was feeding over 1,400 at-risk children every week of the school year. Every year the number of at-risk children has been climbing. In 2012, we were at a record high of serving 41,041 students that fiscal school year. Today we deliver over 1,400+ packages weekly. We are in 12 different school districts and 36 schools throughout Southern Illinois. Click here to be directed to the listing of school’s in Southern Illinois. Currently, we are gearing up for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. Food (list of needed items) or cash donations are needed desperately. Without you and your generosity, many of the youth in Southern Illinois would be at a great disadvantage.