The bulk of those items (more than 2,000) came from the students and staff at Chandler Elementary School! The remainder were donated, along with the cash, by eight local businesses/offices: Chandler Starter & Alternator Repair Service, Straeffer Pump & Supply, Powerline Freight Systems, Electronics Reasearch, Hydromax Plumbing, Chandler Utilities Maintenance Facility, Chandler Library, and Chandler Town Hall.
The school encouraged participation by offering a donut party to the classroom that brought in the most items. Businesses had an incentive, as well, earning a freshly-baked batch of cinnamon rolls if they collected more than any other office. Powerline Freight got their day started right with fresh-from the oven, made-from-scratch rolls after providing 138 individual canned or boxed foods.
Representatives from both food pantries expressed their gratitude for the drive, which they estimate will provide meals for families in need for about a month. They said there seems to be a growing need in our area, citing medical expenses and lowered food assistance for some of their clients.
Chandler Cumberland Presbyterian Church Food Bank is open every Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. Qualifying Warrick County clients are able to receive one box of food and one box of personal care items that don't qualify for Food Stamps assistance once per month.
Chandler United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. Qualifying Chandler and Elberfeld clients are able to receive approximately five paper grocery bags full of food once per month.
Thank you to the Chandler Elementary Student Council members and advisors for helping to load up the mounds of food, diapers, and additional items collected.
In the words of Helen Keller: "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much!"