Shaler Area High School participated in the annual food drive competition to help the The Bread of Life Food Pantry. A tight competition within the school caused the students and staff to donate a grand total of 730 items. This food donation will help those who are relying on the pantry, giving them food for the upcoming holidays.

“I do not know when this tradition started,” Activities Director Mrs. Mindy Thiel said. “It was happening when I was a student here at the high school in the mid 90s, and it is a tradition that I continued when I became Activities Director.”

Thiel is a firm believer in helping out the community, especially this year. The food drive was a great way of doing so.

“Our goal was to collect 1,258 item which represented 1 item for every student enrolled at Shaler Area High School,” Thiel said. “We were able to collect 730 items this year. The winning classes were Mr. Taylor (large class division) and Mr. Mason (small class division).”

The winning classes will receive a treat when students return to the building.

Obviously, 2020 has not treated anyone nicely. The country has been struck with economic deficits, and an extremely large amount of unemployment. So a simple food drive such as this helped hundred of families in need.

“It is so important to give back to our community who supports our school throughout the year. This year especially with so many people unemployed or have had their hours reduced, if we can help a little, it will go a long way” Thiel said.

Every item that was donated will be given to someone in need, helping them to have one less thing to worry about this holiday season.

“The Bread of Life Food Pantry was so thankful when I called to tell them we had a food drive,” Thiel said.  “With the holidays fast approaching they are seeing a greater need than ever in our community.”

Alexis Weber, the manager of the Bread of Life Food Pantry, is very grateful for all the donations and how they help all the families in need.

“We have been very busy down here The support of the community has been absolutely amazing. It is the support of the community that allows us to provide all this stuff to these families. We are very grateful,” Weber said.