St. Mary’s School Student Council presents a check to Mrs. Mary Ann Gubanc for St. Joseph’s Food Pantry. Mrs. Kim Bellofatto, Assistant Principal is pictured left along with Sister Marie Blanchette, O.P. Principal, right.
St. Mary’s School students and faculty gathered on Monday, November 30th for an all school assembly to share some great news with St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.
Student Council President Elizabeth Waltman opened the ceremony by congratulating the students on their accomplishment in surpassing their goal for collecting food items in November. She then addressed Mary Ann Gubanc, Coordinator of St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, telling her that the Student Council was saddened to hear that the Food Pantry was not able to offer holiday baskets for the Thanksgiving season due to lack of funds.
The Student Council decided that they needed to do something to make sure that the Christmas baskets would happen. They set a very lofty goal of collecting as a school 2,015 items (for the 2015 school year) to replenish the Food Pantry. Elizabeth was excited to announce that the school had exceeded their goal, collecting 2,325 items with the support of the St. Mary’s Religious Education program and interested parishioners who came to the school daily to drop off food. In addition, the students at SMS had recently participated in a Silver Coin Challenge to raise money for charity. Student Council proposed giving the funds raised this year with St. Joseph’s Food Pantry. By unanimous vote, St. Mary’s students agreed and the Student Council was able to present a check for $1,859.85!
Mrs. Gubanc shared with the children that the Food Pantry had decided that they would not be able to include meat certificates in the Christmas baskets this year, but because of St. Mary’s School’s generosity, they will be able to offer the certificates. She said, “Because of what you have done here, which is amazing for children so young, you have had a direct impact on many, many families.” St. Joseph’s Food Pantry is serving approximately 500 people each month.St. Mary’s is an award-winning Catholic school, founded in 1950, that offers Pre-K-8th grade classes. A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, the school is known for its excellent math, technology & science programs, as well as small class sizes, individualized instruction, athletic programs & after-school care. Please schedule a tour to learn more about our programs and extra-curricular activities. Phone: (865) 483-9700.