Would you like to help give back to your community? If the answer is yes, Chesterton High School is having a food drive and is giving students the opportunity to donate. One in ten people in Porter County and one in five kids are food insecure, so every single donation, whether small or big, is extremely helpful. All donations of goods are being given to the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry. Donating students can give, but are not limited to, all sorts of things such as canned goods, boxed meals, laundry detergent, dish soap, egg noodles, hot or cold cereals, tuna, and even money. They are also encouraged to limit their hand soap, toiletries, and green bean donations considering these are the most donated items. At the end of the food drive, all goods will be collected from participating schools and then will be transported to the location by box truck. CHS’s portion of the food drive runs from December 4th to the 13th at noon. All donations must be in by noon on the 13th in order to be used because goods need to be sorted before being dropped off. 

“The at-noon part of the deadline is very important because Ms. Evans’ kids are going to sort the food and it is tremendously helpful for the pantry because when we drop off a box labeled ‘Hamburger Helper’, they can just put it up on their shelves instead of having to sort through themselves,” said Mrs. Jendrzejczyk. 

There will be a treat party of their choice for whichever first-period class donates the most goods per capita. Each item brought in will be considered a point, including dollars. One dollar is equivalent to one point as is one good. The only caveat to that rule is that each food item donated with a lack of substance, such as a pack of ramen noodles, will be counted for half a point each. If you have any further questions about the food drive and how it operates, feel free to contact Mrs. Jendrzejczyk via email at [email protected]. Donate and help feed those in need!