The Cranston Rotary Club has kicked off its annual food drive to collect donations from local elementary schools for community pantries. This initiative, called “Share the Love,” aligns with Valentine’s Day and aims to support pantries during a critical time when their supplies are low, especially after the holiday rush.
According to Tom Glasgow, the club president, many pantries experience shortages in January, February, and March. “After the holidays, inventories drop significantly,” he says. This drive not only provides food but also fosters community spirit among students, who get excited about helping others. To motivate participation, the classroom that collects the most items wins a pizza party.
“It’s uplifting to see the enthusiasm from the kids and their families,” Glasgow shares. He emphasizes how even a single donation can make a big difference. Each school’s drive lasts two weeks, and they all take pride in their contributions, talking about what the drive means to their community.
Over the years, the drive has expanded significantly. Starting with just one pantry, Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), the Rotary Club now collaborates with several organizations, including the MAE Organization and Operation Stand Down, which aids homeless and at-risk veterans. Glasgow recalls a recent delivery of 1,000 items to Operation Stand Down, underscoring the substantial impact these efforts have on veterans and their families.
“Operation Stand Down helps about 200 veterans and their families each month,” Glasgow explains. It’s clear that the Rotary Club’s work has grown beyond their initial expectations, especially since they only paused the drive once during the pandemic in 2021.
This initiative is not just about collecting food; it’s about building a sense of community. “Our club has 40 members, and everyone is dedicated to giving back,” Glasgow notes. He believes that the best part of this drive is witnessing the positive effects it has on the families involved and the local organizations.
As different schools start their drives at various times, the excitement builds. Garden City Elementary is just beginning its collection, while Woodridge School is preparing for its pizza party. “Seeing the impact on our partners and families is the most rewarding part of this work,” Glasgow concludes.
This drive connects the community and highlights the importance of coming together to support those in need. In a time when many face food insecurity, initiatives like these remind us of the power of kindness and collaboration. For more on community initiatives that address food insecurity, check out local resources or reports by organizations like Feeding America.
Check out this related article: Cleveland Food Bank Faces $1 Million Loss in Food Supplies Amid USDA Funding Cuts: How It Affects Our Community
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