Gateway Middle School holds food drive for Monroeville and Pitcairn pantries

Gateway Middle School students and teachers recently donated hundreds of items to the Cross Roads Food Pantry in Monroeville and the Pitcairn Food Bank.

A Super Bowl Food Drive took place Jan. 21 through Feb. 3 as part of Gators Helping Gators, a program designed to bring middle school teachers and students together to positively affect the aforementioned communities.

More than 300 students brought in a variety of food and hygiene products. For every item that was donated, students received tickets for a drawing. Tickets were pulled throughout the two weeks and at the end of the drive. Selected students had their choice of gift cards from local businesses. Several of the students volunteered to sort and pack items throughout the drive.

Teachers said the program encourages students to take part in more philanthropic ventures throughout the rest of the year.

Super Bowl LIV took place in Miami on Feb. 2. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20.

In addition to the drive, teachers selected January’s STARs – Students Teachers are Recognizing. Students received a certificate and a wristband with a positive message. Each student received a ticket for a drawing and one name was selected to win a gift card from a local business.

Teachers recognized the following students: Trinity T. Bonner, Jayden Bryant, Gianna D’Agostino, Scarlett Davis, Amorie Denson, Elena Ellinger, Brody Fiorito, Christian Green, Tiara Guyton, Shane Hufnagel, Zoe Kobus, Troy McDevitt, Dina Noadarevic, Hector Ramirez, Jayna Ray, Luke Samsa, Landen Santaras, Brianna Wilson, Taevon Williams, Jayden Wright and Kiarra Quick who won a $10 Target gift card.