Press Release, North Branford Public Schools

NORTH BRANFORD - Each year, the North Branford community celebrates Make a Difference Day by holding a food drive. For the last 32 years, students and parents from North Branford Public Schools (NBPS) have traveled through the community collecting nonperishable food items and monetary donations which were then gathered, sorted, and sent to our town’s food bank.

The food bank distributes the items to our neighbors in need of a little help maintaining nutritious meals for their families. Over the years, thanks to the support of our students, their families, and the staff of NBPS, the food pantry shelves have been well-stocked and able to support the needs of our town members.

For the entire month of October, we have expanded our celebration of Make a Difference Day to Make a Difference MONTH! We are asking for donations of gift cards to supermarkets such as Stop and Shop, Big Y, ShopRite, Aldi or T&J Market or cash gift cards for the food pantry to purchase needed items. Donation boxes will be located in the main lobby of our schools for you and your child to drop off the cards.

When making a donation, please make sure the monetary amount is listed clearly. Donations will be accepted throughout the month. At the end of the month, all donations will be given to our food pantry for their use in supporting those in the town who need them.

In addition, on Saturday, Oct. 22, starting at 8:30 a.m., we will hold the traditional community food round up. Teams of students collect canned goods, pasta, and personal hygiene items from all segments of the community. Please remember to check expiration dates of food items prior to donating them.You can assist by placing items by your mailbox on the morning of Oct. 22.

When teams have completed their route, each team will return to the North Branford Intermediate School cafeteria and present their items for the official tallying. The 3 teams with the most donations will receive prizes.

The drive is spearheaded by North Branford teachers, administrators and students. In addition, the North Branford Public Works Department has volunteered their services to help deliver the food to the local food pantry.

We appreciate and are very proud of the North Branford community who have made this event such a great success for the past 32 years.