Fourth grade students from left, Kane Francis, Jude Coelho, Laedyn Braga, Gia Roy, Mercedes Camacho, Marie Derifond, Nick Pacheco, Hudson Enos are collecting donations for their Soup-er Bowl food drive. (Photo courtesy Acushnet Public Schools) 
Fourth grade students counting and boxing soups and other non-perishable items to be donated to Shepherd’s Pantry. (Photo courtesy Acushnet Public Schools)
ACUSHNET — Superintendent Dr. Paula Bailey and Principal Leah Chesney are pleased to share that Acushnet Elementary School fourth grade students are collecting donations for their Soup-er Bowl food drive.
Acushnet Elementary School’s fourth grade students began collecting donations for the Soup-er Bowl food drive on Jan. 8. They are collecting canned soups and other non-perishable items in donation bins throughout the school. Students will count and box the items which will be donated to Shepherd’s Pantry.
In the past five years, Fourth Grade Teacher Ryan Powers has volunteered his class to participate in a Thanksgiving food drive. This year, Powers thought to organize something similar to help replenish food pantries after the busy holiday season. With the Soup-er Bowl food drive, Powers is hopeful his students will see the value in assisting those less fortunate.
“The kids love being able to go around to each classroom every day and collect/organize the cans for the school,” said Powers. “I’ve had discussions with them about the reasons why we are doing this and I feel that it has made them realize that there are families out there struggling to put food on their dinner table every day. It’s also given them a sense of responsibility and gratitude.”
Donations will be collected through Feb. 9.
All elementary school families are encouraged to contribute to the drive. Families can give their students canned and non-perishable food items to bring to school or they may also drop donations off at the Acushnet Elementary School, 800 Middle Road.
Shepherd’s Pantry will collect the boxes on Feb. 11, the Friday before Super Bowl Sunday.
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