First graders raise money for Food Pantry

MARQUETTE– As we come to the holidays, for many, it’s a time to reflect on what we have and what more we can do to help other.

These values were passed on to another group of elementary students in hopes they can keep the spirit of giving alive. First grade students from Father Marquette Catholic School donated around $600 worth food to the St. Vincent De Paul’s food pantry in Marquette today.

Students raised that money by working with their parents to bag groceries and collecting tips. This afternoon, they were presented with a check from Tadych’s Econo Foods for their hard work and with help from some grown–ups they spent that check on groceries for the food pantry.

“We hope that they just get a love of service and learning,” said Father Marquette Catholic School first grade teacher Julie Hocking, “as a Catholic school we stress helping others, being God’s hands and we hope that they learn they should always help out and the fun of giving back.”

Last year students raised over $600 as well. The donation is part of a project learning program that the school has taken part of for the past four years. The children learn about how the Saint Vincent De Paul society functions as part of the project.