The Westside Food Pantry recently held a food drive at Sunset Hills Elementary on April 20 and 21 in order to assist families struggling with food insecurity. Volunteer for the Clothing Closet Committee Barbara Wimmer assisted in receiving the donated food.

“These are very uncertain times,” Wimmer said. “Some families have parents or guardians who may have lost jobs due to many businesses being shattered or companies having to downsize due to slow business. Food donations are a great way [to] help supplement families when money may be tight and provides another avenue, besides a larger food bank, to get groceries and hygiene items.”

Wimmer said she enjoyed seeing familiar faces come through the line, as well as watch the younger children get excited about donating food. 

“My favorite [part of the food drive] was [the] younger kids getting involved in picking out their favorites to share with other kids,” Wimmer said.  “[Such as] peanut butter and jelly [and] juice boxes. It was really sweet.”

Food Pantry and Clothing Closet Chair Marci Crone helped organize the food drive, and according to Crone, the goal of the food drive was to alleviate the stress some families are feeling during times of mass unemployment and economic uncertainty. The food pantry helps give students one less thing to worry about so they are able to concentrate on their academic success and give their best to their community.

“Donated food will be distributed through social services to any district student in need,” Crone said. “Families need only to contact Robert Aranda at the ABC building to connect with available services.”

Crone said the food pantry and clothing closet are constantly distributing items to Westside families and community members. Because of this, this means the clothing closet is constantly in need of replacement items. 

“Donations of toiletries, new in-package underwear in youth and adult sizes, cleaning supplies and basic food items are always appreciated and can be dropped off at the ABC building,” Crone said. “Monetary gifts can be made to the Westside Foundation and earmarked for the pantry or closet. Our current plan is to hold a clothing or coat drive in the fall, and a food drive in the spring of each academic year.”

If you are interested in assisting the Westside Community in their efforts to help families throughout the district, you are welcome to help collect or organize food for distribution. In order to be in-line with current CDC regulations about the COVID-19 pandemic, everything has been set up in a clean environment with social distancing measures in place. Contact Marci Crone if interested.