USD 253 Spartan Stop Director Heather Wagner was elated when she heard the final total of items collected during KVOE’s Drive for Food Thursday.
With over 28,000 items donated, Wagner says any portion of that will go a long way in benefiting the food pantry as well as USD 253 students.
Wagner couldn’t offer an exact figure on the number of students they serve each year, however, she says to date this year they have already received 200 referrals. Wagner says grant writing is one of the key ways she keeps the stop stocked, however, she says local donations are the biggest resource they have.
Wagner adds that all local donations allow the agency to utilize funding to address other significant student needs.
In addition to Spartan Stop, the Salvation Army Food Pantry was once again packed thanks to donations from this year’s drive. Salvation Army Capt. Mylie Hadden stated Thursday the shelves were “bare” ahead of Thursday and the additional items will help them continue to weather one of the largest surges in use they have seen in some time.
