The contestants in the 2018 Greater Alliance Carnation Festival queen contest did some heavy lifting on Wednesday at the Alliance Community Pantry.
After starting the event by bringing in their own donations, the ladies helped stock the pantry’s shelves.
The ladies collected a variety of foods, beverages and other supplies, which were collected throughout the summer from friends, family and anyone else they knew.
The donations were weighed and points were assigned depending on the number of pounds of food each contestant brought in.
After the contestants’ donations were handled, Terra Faulkner, warehouse coordinator and manager of the pantry, gave them a tour and explained to the girls how the pantry works.
"It’s great, what they’re bringing us, because it helps feed our clients when they bring donations in," Faulkner said.
Even Emma Ritchey, 11-year-old daughter of a committee member, donated food to the pantry this year.
The contestants then stocked shelves, bagged items and helped prepare the pantry for when it opened to the public later in the day.
Many of the contestants want to continue helping, even after the pageant is over.
"I definitely want to help and come and donate more, as much as I can," said contestant Olivia Morey, who is sponsored by Hartville Lumber.
Tickets for the pageant can be purchased from the Alliance Chamber of Commerce, any of the contestants or at the door the night of the pageant. The pageant will be at 7 p.m. in the Alliance High School Auditorium.
