DeSoto Independent School District Gifted and Talented students made a more than $2,000 donation to the DeSoto Outreach Community Pantry. DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. David C. Harris and Associate Superintendent Dr. Gabrielle Lemonier joined students and teachers at the food pantry to present the donation and tour the facility. The food pantry’s Board President Barbara Douglas accepted the students’ donation on behalf of the food pantry and guided students on a tour of the facility. Students learned about how the food pantry collects food donations and the facility’s process for sorting, gathering and distribution. Douglas also discussed the impact of the food pantry on the students’ community and the difference supporting charities like the food pantry makes for families in need.
DeSoto ISD elementary gifted and talented students raised funds for the DeSoto Food Pantry, donating $2, 262.56 to help the pantry purchase items families may need for the upcoming holiday season. Douglas explained to students that their donation will support 230 Thanksgiving dinner baskets for families this year.
The DeSoto Food Pantry serves residents of DeSoto and Dallas County Glenn Heights residents with income-based on TEXCAP guidelines.
“Our students give very generously to the DeSoto Food Pantry to help support residents in need right here in our community,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. David C. Harris. “This project provides students a sense of community and collaboration and helps them develop some problem-solving and teamwork skills by helping them recognize a need in their community and establishing a means to help resolve that need.”
Each DeSoto ISD campus’ collection efforts are as follows:
- Cockrell Hill Elementary - $557.06
- Frank D. Moates Elementary - $209.00
- The Meadows Elementary - $321.00
- Northside Elementary - $261.00
- Woodridge Elementary - $414.50
- Ruby Young Elementary - $500.00
Students raised money at their respective campuses and encouraged their peers and families to donate. Students also visited district offices to collect donations from district employees.
DeSoto ISD has a number of recurring projects that take place in support of the DeSoto Food Pantry, including regular canned food drives, student volunteer initiatives, and district participation in the food pantry’s annual golf tournament fundraiser.
The DeSoto Food Pantry, which partners with the North Texas Food Bank, has a general need for the following food items particularly during the holiday season:
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Vegetables – Corn and Green Beans
- Soups
- Spaghetti or tomato sauce
- Rice – 1 lb. bags
The DeSoto Food Pantry is located at 302 N. Hampton Road adjacent to the Hampton
Road Baptist Church. The DeSoto Food Pantry is seeking additional volunteers for the holiday season. For information about how to donate to the DeSoto Food Pantry or to volunteer, call 972.293.2822