CASPER, Wyo. — Manor Heights Elementary recently collected over 2,500 pounds of food for the Wyoming Food for Thought Project.
The Wyoming Food for Thought Project is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting childhood hunger within the community. The Food for Thought food bag program runs year-round and provides children with meals every day they are out of school.
“We love when the local schools get involved, because then it’s children helping children,” Wyoming Food for Thought Executive Director Jamie Purcell said. “And it’s especially helpful when entering the holiday season.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Purcell said, roughly 50% of all food the organization distributed came in through donations. Since the pandemic, however, that number has fallen.
“Manor Heights’ food drive is one of the most substantial donations we’ve seen in the past two years,” Purcell said. “Crest Hill and Summit elementary schools also had ones last year that went really well.”
Those looking to make their own donations have a variety of ways they can donate food, Purcell said. There are a number of drop site partners located throughout Casper that can be found at the nonprofit’s website here. People can also bring food directly to the nonprofit or schedule a time for nonprofit workers to come pick it up.
“It’s best to call us and coordinate to find a good way and time to donate,” Purcell said.
The nonprofit hosts and participates in a variety of events throughout the year, including the annual Turkey Drive and week-long Toy Drive.
“When anyone gives of themselves — whether by giving food, funds or time — it’s extremely beneficial,” Purcell said. “Our mission is to create a local solution to hunger, and so we’re thankful for our local community’s support. And we’re very thankful to all the kids at Manor Heights; they turned out and did a great job.”
