The Leadership class recently organized its annual food drive to support the Lake Stevens Food Bank. This initiative not only aimed to provide essential sustenance for those facing food insecurity but also extended its reach to our furry friends who deserve love and care.
Students, teachers, and staff came together to collect non-perishable food items and pet supplies to provide support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The drive spanned several weeks, during which donation bins were placed strategically throughout the school campus.
Students and staff donated canned goods, rice, pasta, cereal, and other non-perishable food items. These donations were then sorted and organized by Leadership students before being distributed.
The food drive was supposed to conclude prior to Thanksgiving but was extended until Dec. 8 because the first efforts didn’t bring in a sufficient amount of food. On the Monday before Thanksgiving the item count was 2,198, but with the extension LSHS managed to bring it up to 6.596 items. Josh Fountain’s class brought in 1,275 items and Ryan Michalisin’s class brought in 1,427. All food and pet food was donated to the Lake Stevens Food Bank.
The collective effort of the LSHS community resulted in an abundance of provisions that will go a long way in alleviating hunger for many families.
“When my mom was growing up, she actually had to rely on a lot of community donations… to put food on the table,” junior Jack Mower said.
Recognizing that pets are an integral part of many families, students and staff also donated pet food, treats, toys, and other essentials. These donations were also sent to the Lake Stevens Food Bank because sometimes people sacrifice their own human food to feed their pets.
The food drive also served as an opportunity for students to learn about the pressing issue of food insecurity and the importance of giving back.
“Knowing that our community needs help and how most kids can’t afford food. And food is like the number one daily thing that everyone needs to have in their body to even live. And the way that most families are struggling to feed their own kids just made me really want to help out,” senior Hunter Brown said.
