PIE students collect 1,285 pounds of canned goods for the Food Pantry
In November, over the last two weeks of school before Thanksgiving break, the Pine Island Elementary School teamed up with the Pine Island Food Pantry, to host a food drive contest by classroom in support of the Greater Pine Island and Matlacha community. Overall, an impressive 1,285 lbs. of food for both the pantry’s holiday food bags and everyday groceries, was collected.
Over the 2-week contest period, incoming donations were counted each day by classroom, with prizes awarded to the two classrooms that collected the most. The class winner was Mrs. Bartz’s Kindergarten class with 254 items and runner up, Mrs, Manguson’s second grade class with 185 items. Winners received a class ice cream party celebration.
“After having to take a year off in 2020, we are extremely appreciative of all the hard work the PIE students, teachers and staff put into helping the Pine Island Food Pantry again this year. This collection is truly amazing and will be a great help as we fill our Christmas Meal Bags for over 170 families on the island, and also provide food for their everyday needs. Thank you P.I.E. for everything you do for us,” Karen Durand, Executive Director of the Pine Island Food Pantry said.
Dr. Thomas Millins, P.I.E. Principal, said, “we are pleased with the response to the return of this important program, and are very proud of our students for again demonstrating such generous hearts with this community initiative. Thank you to Amy Williamson, Student Counselor, along with our teachers and the PIE staff for managing the drive. All K-5 classrooms participated in this initiative. The contest was intended to create some fun and rewards as they learned the importance of this ‘life lesson’ of giving back to their local community.”
Pine Island Food Pantry is a non-denominational, 501c3 nonprofit food pantry, serving the residents of Pine Island and greater Matlacha. Our goal is to ensure “no one goes hungry” on the island.
Located in the Life Center Building of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church (OLMM) in Bokeelia, clients can pick up groceries twice per month and new clients are welcome.
The Food Pantry is open Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Visit pineislandfoodpantry.org to donate and learn more.