The North Country community is coming together to help families impacted by the government shutdown.

The South Jefferson School District is extending services through their backpack program. Bags filled with food and canned goods are being sent out to families furloughed by the shutdown.

The non-profit program has been at the school since 2010 and was created by community members.

Typically the program is for South Jefferson School District students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. But, once directors heard about the shutdown they wanted to help families affected, who may not typically use the program.

“If that's the main source of income and if that source is not there, we can help lighten the load a little bit by supplying some food,” said South Jefferson Backpack Program Inc. chairman Fred Morris. “The food that we send home every week is enough to feed a family of four for the weekend."

Organizers say since the shutdown they have received a large amount of donations.