A recent monthly donation by the Hope St. John United Methodist Church to the food and clothing pantry at Clinton Primary School typifies the types of items still needed at the school, according to coordinator Gina Karber. Donations may be arranged by contacting Karber at 870-722-2723 or at [email protected] online. – Hope Public Schools

HOPE – Acknowledging the generosity of the community, Clinton Primary School Parenting Center Coordinator Gina Karber said today the CPS Pantry remains in need of a number of different items.

“I would like to recognize the donors to the CPS Food Pantry and Clothes Closet,” Karber said.

She noted the Hope St. John United Methodist Church has been an ongoing donor with monthly contributions of clothing and food staples.

“The group Graduates of Hope Public Schools has since the beginning of this school year made generous donations to the food pantry and clothes closet,” Karber added. “Hempstead County Retired Teachers made a donation to the food pantry and clothes closet.”

Aside from those groups, a recent food drive resulted in the donation of food pantry items from CPS students, she said.

“We are very grateful to our donors to the food pantry and clothes closet; but, the need for our food bank is greater this year than the past year,” Karber said.

Continuing needs include:

--Easily prepared food items such as microwave macaroni and cheese, Vienna sausage, individually packaged crackers, fruit cups, pudding cups, microwave ravioli or spaghetti cups, Pop Tarts, single serve cereal, granola bars, juice boxes, single serve snacks (crackers, cookies, chips), microwave soup cups, small bottled water, and peanut butter snacks.

--Personal size toiletry items such as deodorant/antiperspirant, antibacterial soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand/body lotion.

--Household items such as clothes hangers, clothing racks, plastic spoons/knives/forks.

--Clothing items such as children’s new/gently used clothes in sizes 5-adult M, shoes sizes 6-8 youth boys/girls, shoes in adult women’s sizes 1-9 and men’s adult sizes 7-9, and new in package children’s socks and underwear.

--School supplies including (especially) backpacks, reusable water bottles, and pencils, crayons, erasers, and pencil boxes.

Contact Karber to arrange donations by calling 870-722-2723 or email [email protected] online during school hours.