MITCHELL — Burris Elementary School and Hatfield Elementary School are partnering to host a community food drive now through Dec. 18, aimed at supporting local elementary families during Christmas break.
The drive is collecting shelf-stable food items, with a special focus on donations for a program called “Meals in a Bag.” The initiative provides families with complete meal kits that include all necessary nonperishable ingredients and a simple recipe card, allowing them to prepare a warm, home-cooked meal during the holiday season. Organizers say the program is designed to help families bridge the gap when school is not in session and regular meal access may be limited.
Donation boxes are available at Hatfield Elementary, Dollar Tree, and Chicago’s Pizza, and community members may contribute any shelf-stable foods. Items in high demand include canned vegetables, beans, meats, pasta, rice, soup ingredients, stuffing mix, gravy packets, dairy substitutes such as evaporated milk, and other meal staples commonly used in family-friendly recipes.
Monetary donations are also being accepted through a dedicated Zeffy fundraising link, with all funds going directly toward food purchases for the drive.
Organizers say every donation, large or small, helps provide comfort, nourishment and dignity to families during the holiday season. For additional information or questions about the food drive, residents may contact Meredith Roll at 845-702-2177.
The Burris/Hatfield Food Drive runs through Thursday, Dec. 18.
