NORTHFIELD — Like a well-oiled machine, Northfield Elementary School students enthusiastically passed along cans, pasta and other non-perishable items, as they continued the school’s longstanding annual tradition of organizing a food drive to support the Northfield Food Pantry.
Put together by Carolyn Baskowski and Megan Desmarais’ fourth grade classes, the school community came together over the course of the last three weeks to gather 897 non-perishable food items — and some personal care items brought in by staff — all of which were donated to the Northfield Food Pantry.
“I think it’s wonderfully helpful for less-fortunate families,” said fourth grader Edith L’Etoile. “It’s great that our school does this.”
Monday’s event started in an assembly where Principal Jim Trill talked briefly to students about why coming together to help families in their community is so important, especially around Thanksgiving. From there, students formed a line from the edge of the school’s driveway to Dickinson Memorial Library, where the pantry is located, and passed along a wide variety of non-perishable items. The Northfield Police Department and Chief Jon Hall helped direct traffic.
Baskowski, who has helped organize each food drive since at least 2014, said the students are “always excited” to take part in the food drive. She said the students love the hands-on nature of the project because they are making a difference in their community.
“It feels good to be able to help in a meaningful way within our community,” Baskowski said as her students passed food along. “The kids get so invested. Kids love having a project like this.”
Fourth graders helped construct the donation boxes for each classroom and spread the word, while the rest of the school’s students, families and staff contributed donations.
Edith added that it was “great” to see the school community come together to help their neighbors.
“It makes me feel wonderful,” she added.
Steve Roberto, chair of the Northfield Food Pantry, said the food drive builds a connection between students and the town. He added this was the first time he’s been able to see the food passing in action.
“It helps foster a sense of community,” Roberto said, “and hopefully you instill a model for helping others.”
The Northfield Food Pantry, located at 115 Main St., is open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In December, however, the food pantry will be open on the second and third Saturday to ensure food is given out before Christmas.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.