SAFFORD — Elementary school children in the Gila Valley ensured families in need will have food for the holiday, and for some time to come.
More than 16,480 pounds of non-perishable food was donated to Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry food bank through the Double R Communications School Food Drive.
The classes that donated the most at each elementary school in Graham County received a trophy from Trophies N’ Tees, a Domino’s pizza party and cupcakes from Candice’s Creations.
“These kids are crazy cool; they’re amazing,” said Double R Communications owner Reed Richins.
Pantry Manager Dana Larchick said Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry serves about 300 families each month, and the donations from the school children will last through the spring.
“Usually about June is when it starts to dwindle,” Larchick said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The pantry was served by more than 125 volunteers sorting the donations during the drop-off Tuesday. Volunteers included missionaries with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, home-school parents and children, and members of Future Business Leaders of American and Student Council from Safford High School.
“Our NHS — National Honor Society — sponsor asked if the Student Council would like to be involved and brought it to a meeting, and they overwhelmingly . . . said yes,” said SHS teacher Mike Dorrell.
This year’s sponsors of the Double R Communications School Food Drive included Domino’s, Candice’s Creations, Trophies N’ Tees, EA Glass, Sparklight, Valley Furniture, EasterSeals Blake Foundation and the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties.
Donations of non-perishable food or cash to any of the area food banks — Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry, St. Vincent DePaul, Angel’s Closet and Food Bank, the EAC Monster Exchange and the Bulldog Pantry at Safford High School —may be made at any time of the year.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
