The generosity of students from Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District will be felt throughout the community during the holiday season. Donations from a recent food drive were delivered to the St. Rose of Lima Church food pantry to benefit families in Massapequa.
On Nov. 27, an SUV was filled with all of the food collected in the preceding weeks and brought to the food pantry. That afternoon, 21 students arrived to sort the donations, which included canned vegetables, cereal, cake and brownie mix, condiments, mashed potatoes, rice, stuffing, gravy, snacks and more.
Members of the student council as well as the sixth, seventh and eighth grade class officers met with Marianne Meyer from the St. Rose of Lima parish outreach center, who told them about the food pantry, who it serves, why people may be in need and the importance of keeping a stock of many different types of food to ensure that everyone’s nutritional needs are met. She also said the pantry isn’t limited to just food, as it also keeps a supply of toiletries and hygiene items.
Student Council advisers Kristen Meoli and Denise Robertson said that having the students go to the food pantry to sort items and learn about its mission gives them greater perspective on the importance of charity.
“It’s nice to know that you’re helping out a lot of people,” said eighth grader Josh Holden, the student council president. “To help out people who are less fortunate, it gives you a good feeling. It’s nice to be a part of it beyond just donating food.”
Photo captions:
1: Berner Middle School student council members and class officers visited the St. Rose of Lima Church food pantry on Nov. 27 to sort items donated for the school’s annual food drive.
2: Students made sure all of the food donations were put in the right spot.
Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
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