By Marisa Dawson, Photos/Graphics Courtesy of Bennington Community Food Pantry

Local elementary students in Bennington are stepping up to support their community in meaningful ways, delivering much-needed donations to the Bennington Community Food Pantry.

Pine Creek Elementary recently organized a successful hygiene drive, collecting an abundance of hygiene products and household cleaning items. School counselors Regina Guinn and Aimee Pryor, working closely with the student council, led the effort. The response from students was overwhelming, requiring multiple vehicle loads to transport everything to the pantry located at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Guinn explained the inspiration behind the drive. “We wanted students to learn how to put kindness into action,” she said. “When we learned our local pantry really needed hygiene and household items, it felt like a meaningful way to help. Those are everyday essentials that often get overlooked, but they make a huge difference for families.”

She expressed particular pride in the students’ ownership of the project. “I’m most proud of the ownership they took,” Guinn noted. “Students weren’t just dropping items into a bin, they were talking about why it mattered. They reminded each other about donation days, encouraged friends to participate, and genuinely celebrated the impact they were making.”

From her perspective as a counselor, these service projects play a key role in students’ development. “Service projects are incredibly powerful for social-emotional development,” Guinn said. “They build empathy, allowing students to understand perspectives beyond their own. They teach social awareness and open their eyes to different needs within their own community.”

She highlighted touching moments during the drive, including one student’s realization: “I didn’t know people might need shampoo. I just thought about food.” Other children asked to bring extra items from home, demonstrating early compassion.

Adding to the wave of support, fifth graders from Stratford Elementary made an unexpected and creative donation. They assembled meal and dessert kits (pictured below), each accompanied by a personalized, hand-colored letter of encouragement. The surprise delivery brightened the pantry’s week.

Kelli Wilkins, who helps operate the Bennington Community Food Pantry, described the impact of the schools’ involvement as humbling and reassuring. “It’s just very humbling and reassuring that these kiddos are part of this a little bit, too, and the growth of our community,” she said. “They’re the next generation that’s going to be here and live here and support here as well.”

She noted the pantry serves over 100 families each month, with January figures already exceeding that mark and February on a similar pace. The hygiene and cleaning items have been particularly valuable, as demand surged after the pantry expanded its offerings beyond food staples. “We giggled when we unloaded the boxes because there were so many toothbrushes and toothpaste that we were like, oh my gosh, will we ever get through these?” Wilkins recalled. “And already I feel like we’re going through them fast.”

The personal touches, like the Stratford students’ encouraging notes, make a difference too. “The cards… are just meeting people where they are,” Wilkins said. “Knowing that it’s hard for people to come to the pantry in a time of need, nobody wants to do that. And so when they see those welcoming messages… it makes it easy for people to ask for help.”

While the recent donations have provided a boost, the pantry continues to rely on community support. Fresh items like eggs, fruits, bread, milk, and cheese remain in high demand and are refreshed weekly but deplete quickly. For non-perishable needs, Wilkins recommends checking the pantry’s updated Amazon wish list for specific quantities and priorities. Monetary donations or gift cards, which can be directed through St. John’s, also help purchase fresh goods.

Updated needs are posted regularly on the Bennington Community Food Pantry’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LittleFreePantryBennington), including the current Amazon wish list. It can also be accessed by scanning the QR code in their flyer. The pantry is open Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., with no questions asked for those in need.

Wilkins emphasized that support extends beyond donations. “We do take volunteers every Wednesday and Saturday,” she said, noting openings for welcoming visitors, assisting with shopping, and helping load vehicles. A SignUp Genius list is available on the Facebook page and via the flyer’s QR code, and flexible opportunities exist for those unable to commit to regular shifts. “Whether it’s with your pocket or with your heart, it’s really fun,” she added.

These student-led initiatives highlight the strength of Bennington’s community spirit, inspiring hope for the future as young residents learn the value of giving back.