Little arms straining under the weight of canned goods and full grocery bags made quick work of restocking the Community Resource Council (CRC) Community Fridge Tuesday morning, Nov. 26. In under an hour, two busloads of Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) students clamored into the shed behind the Boothbay Town Hall to help stock the pantry two days before Thanksgiving.   

“They're able to grasp both with empathy and compassion that food insecurity is a real thing, and that there are people who need extra help,” said CRC Director Holly Stover. “That's what they're here to do, is give extra help today.”  

BRES teacher Kate Rice said the food drive is part of the students' learning. She said pre-K through second-grade classes talk about giving and what they are thankful for during the season. It’s the third year BRES students have donated to the fridge to help families for Thanksgiving, and the kids are thrilled.

"They were so excited! We had kids that brought in something every single day, and they were so excited to and said, ‘This is for the community fridge!’" Rice said. “Then we talk about what we're thankful for and that there are families out there that might not have as much as we have, and so we want to be able to give back to them.” 

For those interested in giving, the Comunity Fridge continually accepts donations. According to the CRC website, food and pantry donations can be dropped off anytime to the shed. Homemade items must be labeled with a date and allergens. The program does not accept raw meat or fish, soda, or any expired items.