For many years, our school’s annual Thanksgiving food drive has brought students and staff together to support families in need during the holiday season. One of the staff members, Ms. Basanta helps run the drive, explained that while she has been involved for about 14 years, the tradition itself is even older.
Although no one knows the exact beginning of the event, she believes its purpose has always been the same:” We care about our students and community and want everyone to have a happy holiday with plenty to eat,” Ms. Basanta said. “We want our students and families to know that we love them and care about them.”
This year, however, the drive has gotten off to a slower start than usual. Each fall, students, staff, and parents collect food at Kroger, but the number of donated items has dropped compared to previous years. “We received about 800 less items this year than last,” Basanta noted, adding that while the decrease is challenging, the school remains committed to reaching its overall goal.
That goal is ambitious: 10,000 items or dollars, enough to create food bags for 75 families in our school for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Any extra items are donated to the Woodford County Food Pantry. “We want to help our community and for the food to stay local,” she said.
Students are also playing an important role in this year’s effort. One student who donated shared that her motivation comes from firsthand experience. “Over the summer, I volunteered at the Woodford Food Pantry and saw firsthand how much each individual item affected families,” Ava Brumley said. The experience showed her the real impact behind every can, box, or bag that gets donated.
For her, paying it forward isn’t just about collecting food—it’s about connection. “Giving back to the community helps me create a bond in which I am able to provide support and help to those in need,” Brumley explained. When asked what kinds of items are most helpful, “Any food item that is non-perishable is helpful in any way to bring a smile to those on Thanksgiving Day.”
Brumley also believes this year’s drive will succeed thanks to the wider community stepping up. “With the help of not only all Woodford schools but also small businesses, they are all collecting donations, making Woodford County a big family willing to help others in need.”
Even with a slower start, the heart of the food drive remains strong. Through the combined efforts of students, staff, families, and local businesses, the school continues its long-standing tradition of making sure no family goes without a holiday meal—and reminding everyone that generosity is one of the things that brings a community together. The community came together and raised 5,100 items and $4,118 for families.
