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SOUTH PARIS — For the past 10 years, Oxford Federal Credit Union has been a partner in education with Oxford Hills Middle School to provide students with educational opportunities they may not otherwise receive as part of their regular school curriculum.
Each year OFCU makes a commitment to a major project; this year, Kim Davis, marketing director, and Susan Graves, branch manager — along with OHMS Student Council advisors Joe Cummings and Michelle Wood — discussed the matter of food insecurity in the district and came up with the idea of creating a food pantry within the school. The Vikings Family Food Pantry was established and is actively addressing the needs of OHMS students and their families.
OFCU has jump star
ted the project with monetary donations, but the student team has also been working to raise donations of food and money through fundraising events. The Student Council officers are the ambassadors for the Viking Family Food Pantry, and they have committed to donating $50 a month from the school dances.
Middle School Student Council members spearheading the project are Katie Hallee, Emily Cummings, Elizabeth Dunn, Calvin Grover and Thomas Hartnett. Business contributors include the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and Daddy-O’s Diner.
Although the pantry is off to a great start, with the upcoming holiday season it is essential that fundraising efforts continue. The Vikings Family Food Pantry is always in need of donations of non-perishable food as well as money to sustain the pantry and keep it well stocked. For those wanting to make a donation, collection boxes are located in the main and guidance offices. A tax-deductible cash donation or check payable to the OHMS Vikings Food Pantry will also be accepted at the school. There are plans for more fundraising events in the community in support of this cause.
The school encourages parents of middle school students to contact main office at OHMS if they are in need of food, whether it be snacks during the school day or meals to make it through the week. The Vikings Family Food Pantry is ready to help.
PHOTO: The Vikings Family Food Pantry had a booth at the Oxford Hills Business and Community Expo, Oxford Hills Middle School students partnering with Oxford Federal Credit Union to raise money for the pantry. From left, Susan Graves, OFCU branch manager; Samantha Noyes, OFCU vice-president member services; middle school eight graders Katie Hallee, Student Council secretary and Emily Cummings, Student Council president; and Elizabeth Dunn, representative for Team Baxter. (Submitted photo)
