Waco Boys & Girls Clubs reach out to help struggling families.

Thousands of Waco children have been home since the start of spring break after the decision was made to keep schools closed as part of the effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"All last week we were brainstorming ways we could help families during this time because we know it's difficult for everyone," said Executive Branch Director Taylor Turpin.

On Monday the club, which has sites at 2020 Richter Ave. and 2700 North 21st St. in Waco, began passing out snack packs, which include such things as the ingredients to make a small pizza along with juice boxes or milk.

"There's definitely a pretty large need for it since a lot of these kids depend on school meals so heavily," Turpin said.

Turpin says local businesses have also stepped up, donating food or vouchers for meals.

Tiff's Treats gave chocolate chip cookies, Raising Canes donated 25 free kids’ combos and Off The Cob Popcorn donated enough popcorn to make 150 to-go bags.

The club is also hoping to fill another need for local families.

Starting Monday they'll open up a mission essential day camp for kids whose parents are deemed essential workers in line with the shelter -in-place orders issued across Central Texas.

The childcare will be offered from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Friday at the Brownfield facility at a cost of $100 per child per week.

"With CDC guidelines we're only able to take 30 kids but we're just trying to do whatever we can to help those families," Turpin said.

"And even if it's just 30 kids that's 30 that might not have had a safe place to go until now so we're really excited to start this."

Residents may call (254) 752-6443 to sign up.

Food packets are available to anyone, member or non-members ages 1-18, and will be carried out to cars by employees and volunteers at both locations from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.