Lansing Christian students donate to Lansing Community Food Pantry, get rewarded with ice cream, pizza, and a principal poultry appearance
By Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (November 23, 2022) – It’s the season for giving, and Lansing Christian School celebrated in a big way with its annual food drive for the Lansing Community Food Pantry.
Students at LCS brought in 1,733 items and raised $770 for the Pantry. The food drive is a fall tradition that has spanned decades at the school.
“We want to teach students to give back, because we’ve been blessed by so many gifts that God has given us,” said Lansing Christian Principal Matt Kamien. “We want to establish that service foundation at a young age, and we hope that it will continue into [the students’] high school, college, and adult years. And since we’re here in Lansing, and a part of this community, we want to serve those who are our neighbors.”
Local business involvement
Kamien did his part to encourage donations — he agreed to dress up like a turkey if the school reached at least 1,000 donated items. Students also earned a “hat day,” ice cream treat, and a whole school movie and pizza party as they surpassed giving goals for the drive.
They enjoyed their ice cream, donated by Gayety’s, on Monday, November 21.
Gayety’s owner Laurene Lemanski sees the ice cream donation as a way to encourage giving back in a community she loves.
“We would love to donate to everyone who asks,” she said — and they get almost daily requests. “But we try to keep it to our community. I love the town of Lansing. I love the school system, and the Christian school. Some of our employees are graduates [of Lansing Christian]!”
Donating to Lansing Community Food Pantry
Lansing Christian students shared their donations with the food pantry at a chapel service on November 17. Volunteer Sharon Giles was on hand to collect and thank students for their efforts.
“Because of your donations, you have helped other people in this village have food,” she said. “I wish I could give each of you a hug.”
Grocery stores, churches, and individuals also donate to the Pantry. Memorial Junior High School recently accepted canned goods in lieu of cash for the entrance fee to their Halloween dance, the Frightful Frolic.
The Pantry accepts food and cash donations year round. Volunteers sort the food and put it on the shelves.
The Lansing Community Food Pantry is located in Lansing Assembly of God at 2990 Ridge Road. Lansing Christian School is located at 3660 Randolph Street.
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