Abington School District Launches Food Drives

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — With area food banks struggling to meet needs and families without SNAP benefits hurting, the Abington School District is asking the community to lend a helping hand.

Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Fecher is asking residents in Abington Township and Rockledge Borough to contribute to the school district's food drives this month.

"I believe there is no time more fitting than now to come together as a community to support our fellow neighbors to the extent that we are able. "the superintendent said. "This November, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, please consider donating to one of our districtwide food drives to help ensure every member of our community is able to put food on their tables."

There are several ways to donate food for the general public and for school district families and staff members.

For the school district, food drives are being held at:

• Abington Middle School — Organized by the Student Council, nonperishable items and canned goods, especially those useful for Thanksgiving meals, will be collected and given directly to AMS families through the District Social Workers. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 19.
• Abington Senior High School — With the help of the school’s Fruit Ninjas, fresh produce that is durable and does not require refrigeration, such as apples, citrus fruits, squash, and potatoes, will be collected for the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 18.
• Copper Beech Elementary School — The Copper Beech PTA is organizing a collection of nonperishable items for the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry from Nov. 20. They are also specifically requesting applesauce cups, granola bars, oatmeal packets, and more for students to build Full Belly Bags to benefit The Giving Tree.
  
• Highland Elementary School — Organized by the Highland PTO, each grade has been assigned specific nonperishable items that will be bundled as grocery packages and given directly to Highland families. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 24.
• McKinley Elementary School — Organized by the McKinley Ambassadors, canned items and other dry goods will be collected for the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry and the Jenkintown Food Cupboard.
  
• Overlook Elementary School — Staff have assigned specific nonperishable items to donate based on grade level, which will directly benefit Overlook families. Donations will be collected through Nov. 19.
• Roslyn Elementary School — Organized by the Student Sunshine Committee, each grade has been assigned specific nonperishable items to donate to the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 25.
• Rydal Elementary School — Nonperishable boxed items and canned goods will be collected for the Bread of Heaven Inter-Faith Food Pantry at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 21.
• Willow Hill Elementary School — Staff and parent/guardian volunteers are collecting Thanksgiving food items, assigned by grade level, for The Breathing Room Foundation, which benefits families undergoing cancer treatment. Grocery gift cards are also being accepted. The drive runs from Nov. 19.

Public Donations

Collection boxes for nonperishable items will be available in the Abington School District Administration Building lobby for the Family Promise Food Pantry at Salem Baptist Church, the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry, and the Abington Community Fridge at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Paper products, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent and dish soap, diapers, and baby formula are also needed. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 21.