FRANKLIN - Davis Thayer Elementary School students continued a school tradition Monday, walking hundreds of pounds of donations to the nearby Franklin Food Pantry.
The fifth-grade students carried 602 donated items - weighing 294 pounds - to the pantry to help with the group's Thanksgiving season demand.
Jen Violet, a math specialist with the school, said this year's drive - conducted by students from each grade level - had outpaced the 2015 effort.
"There were approximately 400 (items) last year," she said. "Our goal this year was 500 items - we exceeded that."
The donation drive, she said, was tied in with math education. Third-graders, for example, graphed the school's donation totals, while fifth-grade students tried to estimate the retail value of the donations through multiplication.
"We were at 598 (donated items) at 10 this morning, and the kids were asking if they could go to Stop & Shop and pick up two more items," Violet said. "Luckily, the school nurse came to our rescue (with the final donations)."
Violet noted that while many schools hold food drives during this time of year, Davis Thayer students have the opportunity to visit the pantry and see first-hand how it serves the community.
Principal Kathleen Gerber said the drive this year focused on meeting people's needs instead of solely on providing Thanksgiving food items. She said many students were asked to seek toothbrushes and toothpaste, and to good effect: they collected about 200 toothbrushes.
Pantry director Erin Lynch said she had come to rely on the Davis Thayer drive to help the pantry meet its goals.
"This time of year, it's particularly difficult for families to make ends meet - heating bills go up, and electrical bills go up," she said.
According to Lynch, the toothbrush donation is especially appreciated.
"It's constantly an area of need, and often gets forgotten," she said. "Even if you qualify for food stamps, that does not cover any personal hygiene items."
Students were enthusiastic about their participation in Monday's walk.
"I think it was a really great experience," said student Mahek Patel. "The food pantry really helps people who can't afford a lot of food."
"I think it's really cool how the school can help out," said Sabrina Tierney.
"It's nice to donate food to other people," said Jermaine Flecha. "Sharing is caring."
Student Madison Kelly said she thought it was a nice thing to help people who need food, and that it was good that the pantry provided that service.
Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.
