BY AMANDA PEVEY
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Christmas time is for families to come together and spend with loved ones. It’s also a time of giving to others. Local schools did an outstanding job this year giving to a local non-profit organization for the WELCOME food pantry located in Millbrook, Alabama.
These schools participated in a canned food drive for their school which resulted in thousands of can donations from the Elmore County community. WELCOME stands for West Elmore Christian Outreach Ministry Extension which is a non-profit corporation to aid the needy in West Elmore County, Alabama. The ministry provides food and encouragement to qualified applicants. They distribute weekly food, monthly food drops and provide counseling to their clients.
WELCOME is an agency of the Montgomery Area Food Bank and has adopted their rules regarding eligibility into the program. They serve 250 families or around 750 people, per month with food and other household goods.
Coosada Elementary School collected a total of 833 cans for the WELCOME food pantry. The student council passed out flyers and organized the cans that were donated. There was no contest for these donations, but it was so heartwarming to see so many children bring in canned foods to be donated even without a contest.
“CES Student Council wants to thank the students, parents, faculty and staff for their support for our community. We could not have shown kindness during a more perfect time,” said Lamonica Gilder, Second grade teacher and Student Council Representative.
Airport Road Intermediate School collected a total of 3,103 cans. They held a contest with the third and fourth grade classes. Whoever collected the most cans won a pizza party. Alicia Whitlock’s third grade class won the pizza party with a total of 429 cans collected. “Thanks to our student council for sponsoring the canned food drive and to everyone who sent food,” said Sharon Earl, Assistant Principal for Airport Road Intermediate School.
Millbrook Middle School collected a total of 408 cans. The student council sponsored the can food drive to help the community. Morgan Murphy is the Student Council Sponsor for Millbrook Middle School and was one of the ones who dropped off the donations to the WELCOME food pantry.
Also the theater department collected cans for their play “Humbug High.” Admission was $1 or a canned good item. Kim Bellman is over the Theatre department and did an amazing job preparing her team for their live audience of the play “Humbug High.”
Sean Kreauter, principal of MMS, praised all involved for their hard work.
Stanhope Elmore High School collected a total of 1,400 cans. Also, a check for $3,000 from the Stanhope Elmore Junior Civitan Club from the “Crystal Ball” proceeds were donated along with the canned food items. A donation of that amount will go a long way for the clients of WELCOME.
“In a time where it’s easy to worry about yourself and all the things you have going on and for Junior Civitan Club to put this event together for others, speaks volumes of their character and who they are. I’m extremely proud of everyone involved,” said Brad Mann, Assistant Principal for Stanhope Elmore High School.
“As director of Welcome, I am so very thankful for the compassion our community has for each other. The outpouring of donations from our local schools is such a blessing. It is always amazing to watch how mighty people are when they come together. I just hope these young kiddos realize what a difference they are making in the lives of those in need right here at home. We are here to help for those in need as well. Thank you again and May God bless each and every one of you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” said D’Ann Pendley, Director of WELCOME.
The needs at the WELCOME center right now are dry cereal, crackers, protein items such as peanut butter, vienna sausages, any type of nuts/trail mix. Donations are always welcome for the WELCOME food pantry.
The next food drop for the WELCOME center is on January 27th from 8 a.m to 10 a.m. Any client from the WELCOME center is encouraged to come that day. For questions or more information please visit their website at: www.welcomefoodpantry.org, or call (334) 285-0150.
If you or your family needs assistance, applications are available. Their address is 3253 Main Street, Millbrook. Food pickup days for registered clients are on Thursdays. If you would also like to volunteer, please call and get involved because extra help is always appreciated.
