Tuesday, Nov. 14, a food drive to help those in need was started by sophomore Sophie Pritchett within the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School music department.
 
Pritchett organized the drive to collect non-perishable food items and paper necessities, such as napkins, toilet paper
and paper towels, to donate to the St. Barts food pantry.
 
The food drive is not associated with any club or school organization, but rather something Pritchett decided to do herself. As an active member of the music department, it only makes sense that she decided to advertise the drive among those students.
 
“I decided to run the drive for those less fortunate than I am,” Pritchett said. “It is a great way to give back to the community.”
 
To make her idea a reality, Pritchett initially proposed the concept to band director Durand Thomas. After receiving permission, she raised awareness for the project through flyers and spread the word via social media.
 
“So far, it is going very well, and people are still donating,” Pritchett said. “Many people have agreed to donate food when they get the chance.”
 
Students are encouraged to continue this trend and drop off donations to the box located in the chorus room. A complete list of items that may be donated can be found on the drive’s flyer, attached at the bottom of the article. Students still have several weeks to help the cause, as the drive will be taking place up until winter break.
 
Pritchett is happy with the progress of the food drive and is bringing students in the music department together to make a positive difference in the community. Helping others is a great way to embrace the true meaning of the holidays and to share the joyful spirit of the season.
 
“I will definitely do this [again] in the future,” she said. “It feels great to do something for those less fortunate than I, especially around the holidays.”