The Paragould Chamber of Commerce is collecting non-perishable food donations this week to help support students at Saint Mary’s Catholic School through a new initiative called Pack the Pantry.
Main Street Paragould Executive Director Miranda Reynolds explained that the food drive grew from a collaboration between her organization and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. According to Reynolds, the goal is to address an ongoing need for food as schools in the area begin a new academic year.
“Food is always an important commodity, especially when school districts are opening in our area. Our nonprofit organization wanted to partner in some way to bridge that gap, so we reached out to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and we are able to partner with them on this initiative,” Reynolds said.
The drive is accepting a range of non-perishable items, including canned goods, granola bars, crackers, spaghetti sauce, pasta, rice, and instant noodles.
Contributions can be dropped off at 200 North Pruett Street in Paragould. Donation hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The collection effort runs through the end of the week.