Elwood Middle School recently created a food pantry designed to support monthly food donations – collected, organized and packed by students and staff – for 10 local families. The ongoing initiative will include fun grade-level competitions, all in the spirit of taking care of those in the Elwood community.

The idea for the pantry came from math teacher Christina Kerensky-DeSimone, and technology teacher Alex Wightman built the donation bins, which were decorated by students. Members of the school’s student council, Community Service Club, National Junior Honor Society and Anti-Defamation League Club are helping to sort the food, stock the shelves and make lists of future needs. The school plans to eventually make this an activity in its Knights of the Round Table advisory program so all students and staff can engage in the behind-the-scenes work.

“This is a full schoolwide initiative of Elwood helping Elwood,” Principal Christina Moran said. “We want all students to feel a sense of service to others. As we seek to educate the next generation, we want students to recognize the benefits of giving. Research indicates that giving makes you feel happier, is good for your health, promotes cooperation and social connections, evokes gratitude, and is contagious. Our pantry is designed to be yearlong with the commitment of donating a box of food monthly to our families in need.”