The Helping Hands food pantry at Mandalay Elementary School in the Wantagh School District has been freshly stocked thanks to the generosity of students. The first food drive of the year was held from Oct. 3-14, with students donating non-perishable items.

The pantry is run by guidance counselor Donna Shulman and third grade teacher Stacey Wright. They said that all donations will go to families within the Wantagh community. Several students will also help pack boxes of food for these families so they can understand the true value of giving. 

Food donations were also collected at Forest Lake Elementary School and delivered to Helping Hands at Mandalay. The pantry hosts several food drives throughout the year and the next will be for Thanksgiving.