Grade school collecting items for food pantry

The students at St. Joseph Grade School are doing more than celebrating their 100th day of school—they are helping their community.

Kindergarten teacher Lindsey Parrish is spearheading the project which saw each grade level compete to bring in items for the St. Joseph Community Food Pantry.

“Our kindergarten friends have been collecting “100 items for 100 days of school” for several years now,” she said. “Because the food pantry currently serves so many families, we thought we would extend it to the whole building. We get a little competitive around here, so we knew making it a race would get everybody engaged.”

Currently the school has collected more than 1,100 items.

“The kids have been very receptive,” Parrish said. “We count the bins each day after school and they are excited to see the new numbers each morning. It has initiated great conversation among students, as they know these items will go to those in need. We have been extremely proud of their willingness to give.”

The collection runs through this week and the items will be donated to the pantry.

The food pantry is in need of the following items: cereal, spaghetti sauce, ravioli, juices, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, canned meat, Campbell’s soups, Knorr’s Pasta Sides, granola bars, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, bar soap, shower gel, dish soap, PB and jelly, and applesauce.

Items can be sent with students to school to count towards the contest or dropped off at AJ Station, St. Joe Auto and Diesel, local churches, local banks, or the library.