Volunteering at Newton Food Pantry

In November 2023, I volunteered with other students from The Chestnut Hill School at the Newton Food Pantry as part of our school's Heart of the Hill drive to collect food and other items that would be useful for the community. According to The Pantry's website, "1 in 3 families with children in Massachusetts experience food insecurity" and "the Newton Food Pantry aims to alleviate food insecurity in Newton by providing supplemental food and personal care products to community members in need." The Food Pantry has many opportunities to volunteer and contribute.

The Family Association at my school collected food and other items from our school families, and we brought these to the food pantry, and stacked them neatly for use. My parents and I brought a large bag of deodorant, which was the item assigned to my grade. You may wonder who would want deodorant, but while we were loading the pantry, three different people came to take deordorant before we even got it out of the bag. I learned that things many people take for granted are incedibly important and valuable to others in need.

My father and I enjoyed being with other members of the CHS community, and bringing the many items that CHS families donated to the Newton Food Pantry where they were much appreciated and needed. This is an appropriate volunteer opportunity for kids of all ages, and can involve a school or other organization that wishes to make a difference in the community.

The Newton Food Pantry website has information about how to help, donate, and volunteer at:

www.newtonfoodpantry.org