Pennies for the Pantry

Students at the Franklin Borough School know the joy of giving back.  Students hosted a “Pennies for the Pantry” drive during The Great Kindness Challenge week and collected thousands of pennies to benefit the Sussex County Social Services Food Pantry.  Franklin Borough School is one of several area schools that benefit from the backpack effort, providing nutritious weekend meals to children across the county.

4th grader Ella Darvalics, 1st grader Reagan Darvalics, 6th grader Ryder Darvalics, Carol Novrit, Guidance Counselor Michelle Minimi, food pantry volunteer Rita Oroho

Franklin Borough Guidance Counselor Michelle Minimi challenged students to scour under sofa and chair cushions, under furniture, on the floor of their car or anywhere loose pennies might be found.  Students stockpiled enough pennies to present the pantry with a grant total of $173.51!  Ms. Minimi stated, “I am hopeful that this was a symbol of how much our school community appreciates everything that you, your department, and all of the volunteers do for us.  With the help from your wonderful staff, our students are provided with enough food for the weekend.  Because of this "backpack" program, Franklin Borough students no longer need to be food insecure over the weekend.  With that, I take my hat off to you and say, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

6th grader Ryder Darvalics, Carol Novrit, Guidance Counselor Michelle Minimi, 1st grader Reagan Darvalics, food pantry volunteer Rita Oroho, 4th grader Ella Darvalics

The County of Sussex, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, staff and pantry volunteers would like to express sincere gratitude for this thoughtful gesture and donation.  The realization that a difference has been made and a positive impact has occurred makes everything we do even more worthwhile.

If anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can stop by the Division of Social Services, located at 83 Spring Street, Newton, NJ, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Schools that wish to obtain further information about backpack weekend meals for kids can call 973-579-0559 ext. 1227.