Stanton students compete to help fill local food pantry

The fifth graders at Stanton Community School, under the direction of teacher Robin Wright, organized a holiday food drive to assist area families. In an effort to increase participation, they ran the donation drive as a contest between the elementary grades.

From Nov. 19 to Dec. 21, classes could earn points based on an assigned point system for items donated. The fifth graders added each classes points daily and kept a running tally on display in the front lobby of the school.

Point values were assigned as follows:

— Five points for cereal, peanut butter, toilet paper and laundry detergent;

— Four points for flour, sugar, canned meat, spaghetti sauce, and canned meals (spaghettios, ravioli) and soups;

—Three points for Hamburger/Tuna Helper, macaroni and cheese, cake, brownie or muffin mixes, instant mashed potatoes, paper towels, beans, oatmeal, crackers and rice;   

— Two points for dish soap, hand soap, body soap, shampoo and toothpaste, toothbrushes, pizza sauce, pasta and pie filling;

— One point for canned goods, Jell-o and pudding.

The food was delivered to the pantry at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton. They were very successful with this endeavor.

The results of the food drive are as follows:
— 7th place - 1st grade, 161 points
— 6th place – Kindergarten, 263 points
— 5th place - 3rd grade, 322 points
— 4th place - 6th grade, 426 points
— 3rd place - 5th grade, 503 points
— 2nd place - 2nd grade, 857 points
­— 1st place - 4th grade, 971 points

The winning class will receive an afternoon “off” to watch a movie and eat popcorn.