East Panhandle Times

Inwood Primary School has completed its 17th annual food drive, collecting over 1,500 items throughout February. These items will be donated to CCAP Loaves & Fishes in Martinsburg to support those in need.

The initiative was started by Janet Kawalek, who wanted students to contribute to the community. Kawalek, a former volunteer at a local food bank and now the school's secretary, organized the drive when others were unable to continue it.

During February, classes competed to collect the most items, with the winning class receiving a pizza party. Parents also participated by donating canned foods and non-perishables.

Kawalek emphasized teaching students about community support: “It’s important to give back at any age — whether it’s giving some money to Santa Claus outside the store or bringing some items in for the food drive,” she said. “We really want to teach the kids to give what they can.”

Principal Ryan Ott highlighted the importance of community involvement: “We want to show these kids that they are a part of the bigger community. There are needs throughout our area, and helping others will help make the community stronger.”

Anna Hill-Dobbins’ first-grade class won this year's competition by collecting 512 items. The school collected a total of 1,500 items with an enrollment of only 155 students.

At the end of each drive, CCAP Loaves & Fishes collects and distributes the donations. Initially, Kawalek planned on delivering them herself but found it unmanageable due to large quantities.

Although this year's collection was smaller than previous years', Inwood Primary remains committed to aiding families in Berkeley County through this project.