Glenbrook North's food drive yields pallets full of donations food pantries

Members of the Glenbrook North Student Association packed boxes of donated food destined for the Northfield Township Food Pantry and The Ark during their annual food drive last week.

Much of the food, consisting of both dry and canned goods, was donated during a Sunday, March 7 event at the local Jewel, Mariano's and Sunset Foods stores. Monetary donations were also accepted at the Northbrook Waterway car wash.

A steady stream of food donations continued to arrive at the school last week, which student volunteers packed into boxes before school, during lunch, and after school. By the end of the week, around 20 pallets each holding two dozen large boxes lined a school hallway.

“I'm so thankful for the community and their participation, because it helps out a lot of people,” said Mike Tarjan, Glenbrook North assistant principal/student activities.

Tarjan said the annual event previously take place during the fall, but after learning that the Northfield Township Food Pantry receives many donations prior to Thanksgiving, and fewer donations in the Spring, the Student Association decided to hold the event during March instead.

Senior Peter Bazianos, the student association executive board president, said the Northfield Township Food Pantry has experienced increased need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was pleased that so many of his fellow students volunteered to collect and pack donations.

“It means a lot to give back this year, it shows how much they care about it,” Bazianos said. “They've been so dedicated, it's a team effort.”