Representatives from three of Carroll County’s schools received Gratitude Grants from the Westminster Elks Lodge.  Greg Ackerman of the Elks Lodge awarded checks to representatives from Gateway/Crossroads, Taneytown Elementary School, Robert Moton Elementary School, and the Westminster Boys and Girls Club.  The money will be used to supplement the food needs of the 3 school food pantries and the Boys and Girls Club after school program that services students from Robert Moton, Friendship Valley, Cranberry Station, William Winchester Elementary Schools and East and West Middle Schools.  

Bryan Wetzel, Gateway/Crossroads principal, shared how the pantry sends food home with students regularly but most of the food is long-term storage items. They rarely have fresh fruits, vegetables, and breads and will use the funds to provide these and other items of need.  Robin Strine, music teacher and Food Bank Coordinator volunteer at Robert Moton, shared how as a music teacher she sees all students and helps all of them visit the pantry. Cindy Hess, Taneytown counselor and volunteer Food Bank Coordinator, shared how students fill their backpacks from the food bank with much needed food to take home.

Half or more of the students at these three schools and the Boys and Girls Club are eligible for Free or Reduce Priced meals.