GREAT MILLS, Md. — Nowadays, people don’t have to look far to find people in need. That’s why some Great Mills High School students recently took it upon themselves to make a “heavy” donation to a local food pantry.
Over the fall and winter months of 2021, students in the school’s National Honor Society went to work on collecting donations and nonperishable food items for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry in Lexington Park. Leslie Johns, the student organization’s advisor reached out to the church and said they wanted to give back to the community.
“I just think we need to recognize these fine young men and women,” Phyllis Greer, the food pantry director, said. “[They are” upcoming leaders in our community.”
And what the students managed to accomplish in a few short months is impressive.
Through several classroom competitions and fundraising efforts, the students collected over $250 in donations and approximately 1,400 pounds of food. Some of the students recently made the drop-off at the pantry’s location off of Great Mills Road.
The volunteers at Church of the Ascension Food Pantry provide food to an average of 60-100 families across Southern Maryland every week, helping nearly 90 families a day during peak times.
They are always seeking additional assistance from the community, whether that is an organization or group, a business, a family, or any individual. That could mean just spending one day at the pantry helps.
Donations they are often looking for include perishables such as milk, eggs, and bread. Nonperishables include canned fruit, soup, crackers, canned pasta, juices, toilet paper, laundry detergent, flip-top canned items, bottled water, easy-to-eat snacks, and $5.00 or $10.00 increment McDonald’s gift cards for a hot meal.
The pantry is open on Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. They are located at 21641 Great Mills Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653.
Contact Phyllis Greer with any questions about how to help by Clicking Here.