HOUGHTON — The 31 Backpacks program has grown continuously since it began in October 2012, and because of that growth, there is a change in how it will be conducted.

Laurel Maki, her daughter, Melissa Maki, and friend Amy Zadawa began 31 Backpacks, Inc., which puts food purchased locally into plastic bags. Those bags are taken to the 17 Copper Country schools involved with the program to be placed into backpacks for the students identified as needing some assistance to have enough food for a weekend.

Melissa Maki said the program will no longer be able to provide the larger amounts of food needed for the winter and spring breaks, because space at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Hancock will no longer be available to make up the larger bags needed for the breaks because another group is using the space.

“We don’t have enough room,” she said. “We’re still going to continue the weekend backpack program.”

Instead of the holiday break backpacks, Maki said the students will instead be given food gift cards to purchase what they need.

31 Backpacks is now providing food for about 200 students, and Maki said $20,000 will be needed to provide the gift cards to the students.

To help get that money, at 5:30 p.m. tonight Maki said there will be a fundraiser during the Hunters’ Widows Ball at the Elks Club in Calumet. The cost is $8 per person. Tickets can be purchased at First Merit Bank in Calumet. The event is open to men and women, and the dress is casual. There will also be a silent raffle and live music.