Pimento Cheese Spread and a word of thanks!

At last week's monthly Bridge gathering Kathy T. served this fantastic cheese spread from the May 2010 Southern Living magazine:

1-1/2 cups Hellman's mayonaise
4 oz. jar diced pimento, drained
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. onion, finely grated
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1 cup pecans, toasted in 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes
8 oz extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated
8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

Mix mayo, pimento, Worcestershire, onion and red pepper in large bowl. Stir in pecans and cheese. Store in refrigerator. Serve with celery sticks and crackers; or make toasted cheese sandwiches in skillet or panini press with the cheese spread.

Last week the Pencil Box Club received two personal thank-you notes from students who received backpacks at the LESA distribution in August. We also got a nice note from LESA Fill Backpacks for Kids Committee Co-chairpersons Jean Garratt and Denis McBride. They said:

Your efforts on behalf of children and families in the county will help children begin the school year with the necessary supplies for successful learning.

LESA Backpacks for Kids report 2010

LESA Secretary to the Superintendent Judy Paulsen reported the LESA Backpacks for Kids 2010 project put together 1600 backpacks filled with supplies for Livingston County students in grades K-12 whose families need help to finance their back-to-school supplies. Paulsen said every one of 1000 students who attended the Aug. 19 distribution received filled backpacks.

"It's awesome to know we're helping people, and to see the excitement of kids and parents and volunteers," Paulsen said.

Students may still stop by LESA today for a backpack. After today, the extra packs will be sent to local districts, OLSHA, and LACASA for distribution according to need. This year, for the first time, LESA provided 50 backpacks to Livingston County's The Connection Youth Services.

Thanks to all Pencil Box Club members and fans who supported this very special project!