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The Food for Backpacks program in Albert Lea received a $25,000 donation Thursday from Mayo Clinic Health System as part of an effort by the health system to invest $900,000 in local community organizations addressing needs related to housing, food insecurity, access to healthcare and safe places for learning and youth enrichment.

Dave Drommerhausen, who started the program with his late wife, Julie, about seven years ago, said he was contacted out of the blue by Sue Loch, who works in community engagement with the health system, about the gift. The group had not submitted an application or any type of request for the money, so it was an especially welcome surprise.

He said the $25,000 donation equates to about a quarter of the annual expenditures of the program.

“We are excited to be able to provide these investments directly in our Mayo Clinic Health System communities during the holiday season to strengthen our communities and positively impact health and well-being,” said Prathibha Varkey, president of Mayo Clinic Health System, in a news release. “These contributions will help foster vibrant, healthy communities where our patients and dedicated staff work and live.”

The $900,000 is being distributed to organizations helping people in Minnesota and Wisconsin communities served by Mayo Clinic Health System. In southeast Minnesota, a total of $175,000 was expected to go toward the backpack program in Albert Lea, the Mower County Hometown Food Security Project and emergency funding for transitional housing in Steele County.

“Our community partners share in our mission of providing hope and healing beyond our walls,” said Robert Albright Jr., regional vice president for Mayo Clinic Health System in Southeast Minnesota. “This investment will help enable them to reach more broadly and deeply into our communities.”

The organizations were chosen based on community needs, how their work aligns with Mayo Clinic’s mission and Mayo’s history of collaboration with each organization.

“During this season of giving and hope, we’re reminded of how our communities pull together in so many ways to care for each other,” said Kris Johnson, vice-chair of administration at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin. “Collectively, we have the power to not only address food insecurity but cultivate goodwill, help those in need and inspire connection within our community.”

Drommerhausen said when the Food for Backpacks program first started there were 33 students at one school. It now includes over 500 students at all of Albert Lea’s schools except for Albert Lea High School.

The program originated as part of a program at Grace Lutheran Church. Being so close to Hawthorne Elementary School, the church would often help out when needed.

One day, the school social worker called and told them about some students who were in her office who hadn’t eaten all weekend.

The church group from there wanted to do something about it and went to check out other similar programs in the area and now has a system in place. They now also have help and contributions from First Lutheran, Hayward Lutheran, Ascension Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, United Methodist and Crossroads Church.

“This gift helps us continue the work of feeding our children, who can learn better with full stomachs,” Drommerhausen said. “By working together, we are giving these kids a chance for a brighter future.”

According to its website, Mayo Clinic is giving out a combined $22 million, including $14.25 million in Rochester to promote excellence in public schools and address housing challenges in the community. Rochester Public Schools will receive $10 million to bolster the public school system, helping children receive an education that prepares them for future success.

The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing, an innovative public-private partnership that Mayo helped establish, will receive $4 million to address affordable housing needs in Olmsted County.

Mayo is also investing in organizations that serve vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness. Mayo will expected to match donations to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign in Rochester up to $100,000 on Friday and Saturday and will contribute to The Landing MN, a day shelter serving people without homes in Rochester.

It is also contributing at its locations in Jacksonville and Phoenix.