Bishop Donahue High School Community Gives Back in McMechen
Staff and students at Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen are hoping to create a legacy of giving with a new charity endeavor.
Bishop Donahue students traveled to about 1,000 homes in Benwood and McMechen Tuesday, leaving canned good collection bags on doorsteps. All food collected will support the school’s new community pantry, which will be completed next week. Food pickup will begin at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
According to Principal Tom Wise, the project is in conjunction with the Marist National Day of Service for 2017, to be held on the drive’s pickup day. He added the school hopes to receive 6,000 to 7,000 cans of food.
“We are erecting a food pantry that will be outside. It’s based on the “Little Free Pantry” concept going around the country right now,” Wise said. “The idea is that anyone that needs nonperishable food can come to the pantry, which will be outdoors and unlocked. The premise is to take what you need and leave what you can. Our goal is to work with all of our local churches to let everyone know this is available if anyone needs it. We also would like people to donate if they have the means to do so.”
Religion teacher Amy Granato said the pantry will continue as a community effort even after the school’s scheduled closing at the end of the academic year.
“Our motto is ‘enter to learn Christ, exist to serve Christ’ and that mission will go on and on for years to come,” Granato said. “This little food pantry will be here.”
Senior student J.C. Custer said the drive is especially important to students this year.
“The drive is a great opportunity to help people in need in our area,” he said. “Especially with us not being around if we do close, this will be a way for us to continue to help the community.”
Information on the food drive is available by calling the school at 304-233-3850.
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