Cary-Grove teams make 2,000-lb. donation to local food pantry

Approximately 50 Cary-Grove High School basketball players - freshman to seniors - collected approximately 2,000 pounds of food for the Cary-Grove Food Pantry over the weekend as part of the teams' second annual food drive.

The drive, organized last year by senior varsity player Nick Barr, was among the largest the pantry has received since May, according to the pantry's board president Melody Stanko. Monetary donations were also provided.

"We appreciate the effort the boys have put into this," said Stanko. "This has been a successful food drive and one of the largest (drives) we've had this year. I think it's important for the kids to have some idea as to the impact a sizable donation like this makes so I shared with them that more than 200 families visit the food pantry each month. They're helping a lot of people!"

Organizer Nick Barr commented, "It's nice to know the direct impact that we're making on the community not just that we're doing something 'good.' Next year, I hope this tradition can be carried on by one of my junior teammates."

The Cary-Grove boys basketball season is in full swing. For a full schedule, go to il.8to18.com/CaryGrove/schedule/basketball/b/v/2014-2015.