For the children we serve, these decorated bags offer a moment of joy and hope. But what’s just as meaningful is the joy they bring to the people who decorate them.
One of those people is, Nelda Sturm, who has decorated more than 4,000 lunch bags from her home, each one done thoughtfully, with a child in mind.
“I’ve always enjoyed being creative,” she shared. “It’s a way for me to express myself, and now, a way to brighten someone else’s day.”
At 87 years old, decorating bags has become more than a volunteer activity for Nelda. It’s a source of purpose.
She’s spent much of her life giving back through community fundraisers, local service organizations, and supporting families and children in need. When she learned about Kids’ Meals needing decorated bags, she knew immediately this was something she could do, and something she would love.
Today, as someone who uses a wheelchair most of the time, finding meaningful ways to contribute from home matters deeply. Decorating bags gives her days structure, creativity, and a sense of connection.
“I take my time on them,” she said. “I want each one to feel special. Knowing a child might smile when they see it means the world to me.”
That’s the heart of why decorating bags matters.
For a child experiencing food insecurity, a decorated lunch bag says: You are seen. It turns an ordinary meal into a moment of warmth. And for volunteers, whether they’re students, families, coworkers, or older adults at home, it offers a simple, joyful way to make a real difference.
As long as she’s able, she plans to keep decorating. She’s even shared bags at Senior Day events, inviting others to experience the same sense of fulfillment she’s found.
Her message to anyone considering getting involved is simple: you don’t have to do something big to make an impact.
At Kids’ Meals, we believe nourishment goes beyond food. Sometimes it comes in the form of a colorful drawing or a handwritten note on a brown bag, each one as a reminder that kindness travels far.
Decorating a bag may seem small, but to a child opening their lunch, and to the person who took the time to decorate it, it could mean everything.
