Honor Society collects food for needy

By Jennifer Grybowski
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE - Thousands of food items lay spread out across the lobby of Tantasqua Regional High School Nov. 23, waiting to be distributed to needy families. The items were donations collected by the National Honor Society, for their annual holiday food drive.
“I know there are people that can’t afford to make a good meal or who don’t have anywhere to go this holiday,” Student Council President Patrick Bressette said. “Providing this will really help our community and I think that’s the important thing.”
More than 20 NHS members turned out to sort the items and then “shop” for the families, according to their needs.
“This gets them through not just the holidays, but after as well,” NHS Advisor Michael Pratt said.
The A Block class that brought in the most food from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20 won a free breakfast from Dunkin Donuts. This year the winner was Roberta Dunn’s class; the class of 13 students donated over 300 items to the drive.
NHS members also collected items from shoppers at Shaw’s in Sturbridge Nov. 14. During that collection, they raised $150 in donations and took away 330 food items.
This year, the food will help seven local families. The names of the families are given to the NHS by the district’s social worker.
“Just seeing people hungry…it shouldn’t happen especially in America,” NHS President Marissa Loughran said. “I really think that every little bit helps. It’s hard to think that people go hungry at this school and everywhere.”
The most popular item donated this year was Ramen noodles, but the NHS even got some pet food this year.
“It’s a good variety,” Bressette said.
The boxes of food were delivered by NHS members Nov. 24.
“Delivering is the most fun part because you get to see their reaction,” Loughran said.
The NHS is now gearing up to host their annual toy drive, which will run Dec. 7 to Dec. 18. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at TRHS.