Hallett Elementary School collects items for food bank

Hallett Elementary School students are doing their part to give back to their community during this holiday season.

The school's Associated Student Body is collecting food for the Medical Lake Food Bank for its annual "Helping Others" project until Dec. 16.

Hallett Principal Cindy McSmith said the project is "a wonderful way to encourage students to think about the needs of others and to take action to support those needs." It also allows students to consider donating items that people need.

McSmith said she recently spoke with a student who told her how she and her parents took some time to choose items because they were "tasty and full of flavor" and would "feed many people."

"I loved that there had been thoughtful conversation around what to give to someone," McSmith said. "These are the love lessons of life. They are the lessons that help to grow our students of character. We greatly appreciate the gifts of food items that support our drive and benefit our local food bank."

Students are also collecting pet food and supplies for the food bank. Items that are needed for pets include dry dog food, dry cat food, non-clumping litter, cat treats and dog treats.

"A lot of the food bank's clients have pets and they don't have a lot of pet food to go around," Hallett secretary Denise Spangler said.

Spangler said each grade level has a specific goal as to how many items they want to raise. The grade that raises the most items receives a Krispy Kreme donut party. Last year, Hallett students brought in over 2,200 pounds of food and pet supplies.

"Every morning, we announce the amount of items raised and try to get students ramped up to bring in more items," Spangler added.

For more information on the project, contact the Hallett Elementary office at (509) 565-3400.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].