SOUTH HADLEY – On Saturday morning, thousands of bags will be hand delivered to homes throughout town as part of the annual Bag the Community food drive.
The event supplies about 40 percent of the food and personal items that Neighbors Helping Neighbors Inc., the town’s food pantry, provides to people, according to committee member Marie Rohan.
“It is an important thing for people to take part in because it involves the whole community and it involves helping each other,” Rohan said. “It just contributes to the importance of caring about and for each other and working together.”
A legion of volunteers from the community, high school and Mount Holyoke College will distribute the bags along with information about the drive on Saturday and collect them on Monday.
“It is quite an undertaking,” Rohan said.
Residents are asked to leave nonperishable items and, if possible, a check to help support people living in the community who do not have enough to eat.
The food drive began Monday at South Hadley High School with students taking part in the “Clash of Cans: Cans Royale,” which pits the grades against each other to see which class can collect the most canned food items.
Public service announcements made by students depict teachers battling it out for the food drive.
The food drive was founded in 2011 by retired South Hadley High School history teacher Sue Brouillette following the suicide of high school student Phoebe Prince, a case that gained international attention.
Rohan said it started as a way to help the students and the town do something in a way that brings the community together.
On Monday, as volunteers sort through donated items, the Berkshire Hills Music Academy will play music and the high school’s new culinary arts program teacher will provide food for volunteers.
More information about the event can be found at www.facebook.com/bagthecommunity/.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.