Students from West Hartford’s high schools held a ‘West Hartford Gives Back’ food drive.

Submitted by Jenny Bronson, Student Activities/Career Center Coordinator, Hall High School

Conard students with donated food for the ‘West Hartford Gives Back’ food drive. Submitted photo

More than 3,000 items were collected during a joint Hall and Conard food drive held on Nov. 18 to benefit the West Hartford Food Pantry.

The “West Hartford Gives Back” food drive was a means to cultivate a sense of gratitude, giving back, and being aware of our own community’s needs. In addition to collecting much-needed donations for the Food Pantry, the drive was an opportunity to connect our schools and our students, and to highlight the positive relationships and unity shared in West Hartford. Students and staff were asked to bring in non-perishable food items for collection during the Wednesday advisory period.

Whether it was the friendly competition between the two schools or the sense of gratitude prevalent at this time of the year, the drive significantly contributed to restocking the Food Pantry’s shelves.

“You guys are amazing. We are so thankful to the schools and to the families in our community,” said Suzannne Oslander, Community Partnerships Manager for the West Hartford Department of Human and Leisure Services.

Hall students with donated food for the ‘West Hartford Gives Back’ food drive. Submitted photo

Hall students with donated food for the ‘West Hartford Gives Back’ food drive. Submitted photo

Conard students and staff with donated food for the ‘West Hartford Gives Back’ food drive. Submitted photo