24th Annual Pantry Raid
Posted/updated on: September 9, 2014 at 2:52 pm
TYLER – The 24th annual Pantry Raid competition between Robert E. Lee and John Tyler High School students has kicked off. The students at both high schools have a friendly competition to help feed hungry East Texans. The food and funds the students collect will benefit hungry East Texans through the East Texas Food Bank’s partner agencies, according to a news release from the food bank. The school that collects the most food will earn bragging rights and proudly display the traveling trophy at its school for the year.
“I think pantry raid is very important,” said Jaleasa Starling, chair of the Pantry Raid Committee for John Tyler High School. “The donations help people who need it, and it feels good to step up to the plate and get people to donate.”
“We are all excited about pantry raid and we are pushing as hard as we can,” said Josh Bice, Executive President of the Robert E. Lee Student Body. “I feel like this is a great opportunity for us to help. For Robert E. Lee, it’s a huge thing because it lets us feel like we are part of something bigger.”
Over the last 23 years, the students have collected over 1,076,000 pounds of food combined, providing more than 896,000 meals to children, families, and seniors whom the East Texas Food Bank serves.
“The Pantry Raid has grown to become one of our largest food and fund raising drives of the year,” said Dennis Cullinane, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “This event is helping to create a legacy of giving in our young citizens. We are truly grateful to the students for their incredible energy in producing these impressive food and cash contributions over the years towards the fight against hunger in our community.”
Donations of non-perishable canned food items will be accepted at both high schools through Friday, September 12th. You can also go to http://www.EastTexasFoodBank.org/PantryRaid to support either school by making a financial donation online. The Pantry Raid results will be announced at the Robert E. Lee and John Tyler football game on Friday, September 12th. Also, September is national Hunger Action Month. Go to http://www.EastTexasFoodBank.org to find out other ways you can take action against hunger.
