The Huntington High School student government’s annual food drive always meets a pressing need in the community. Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold and displaced many sources of food aid for the hungry as well as throwing thousands into the ranks of the unemployed, the Stuff the Bus campaign is more important than ever.
Huntington student government leaders have long marshaled forces in the community to collect thousands of non-perishable food items and toiletries and distribute them to programs to feed the hungry and those in need. Huntington Coach Corp has donated the use of a full-size school bus, which the teenagers have “stuffed” with the collected items and transported around town to area food banks.
“We will be collecting non-perishables and toiletries, including baby and feminine products, at the front entrance of the high school using a non-contact drop-off system,” said teacher David Moriarty, who serves as the student government’s faculty advisor along with colleague Danielle Raguzin.
In a “normal” year, student government members would collect donated items outside local supermarkets, but that’s not possible in the COVID-19 era. So the teenagers and their advisors have developed Plan B.
Those wishing to donate items for this year’s Stuff the Bus drive can drop them off at the front entrance to Huntington High School on any of four Saturdays: February 27, March 6, March 13 and March 20 between 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
“The community has gone through a lot this past year,” said senior Isaiah James, the student government president. “The least we can do, not just as a school, but as members of the community, is give what we can.”
Student government members will organize and group all of the items for ultimate distribution to the Huntington Community Food Council and the St. Hugh’s Church food pantry.
Student government public relations coordinator Alexa Rind and treasurer Jorge Parada-Cisneros have taken the lead in promoting the upcoming drive, creating a flyer with essential information.
“The students are disappointed that we can’t do our normal food drive, but we are confident that this can be successful and safe,” Mr. Moriarty said. “Student government officers are looking forward to facilitating an event that can have a positive impact on their community.”