Money from spirit link donations will go to three charities this year, including the CHS and LHS school pantries.
The LHS food pantry also received Golden Throne donations about three years ago. Money for the food pantry to support snacks purchased for the students who may not be able to afford breakfast or lunch, or who need a “pick-me-up” to get them through the day.
“The food pantry is there for the students who don’t have the financial ability to afford food given by LHS and their homes,” said Christina Cahill, director of the LHS food pantry. “We don’t ask any questions about finance, however, we want all students to succeed and maybe with snacks we can raise that amount.”
   The Idaho Food Bank gives food to the pantry whenever it is needed, and Cahill orders what is needed to fill the shelves. Anyone in the community can also donate food to the pantries.
“Due to restrictions the Food Bank can only give food that is nonperishable or to create meals,” Cahill said. “I’m hoping to be able to earn some money to buy the kids actual snacks to get them through the day.”
   In Clarkston, CHS Athletic Director Shannon Wilson nominated the food pantry to receive donations this year. In its second year in existence, it has grown from a food pantry to include a clothing department. Weekly donations come in from the community food bank, and monthly from St. Vincent de Paul.
Rhonda McDowell and her special education students took on the task of organizing and running the food bank at CHS. Most donations occur during the holidays, when the most students and their families come in to receive food.
Contacts for school pantry donations: CHS, Rhonda McDowell, 509-758-2531, [email protected]; LHS, Christina Cahill, 208-748-3116, [email protected]