Gateway students honored for United Way volunteer program feeding hundreds of families

Gateway School District trustees heard a presentation honoring students and staff for the district’s participation in the United Way Champions School District initiative, a multi-year volunteer program that runs a weekly backpack program and recurring pop-up food pantries for families in need.

The recognition centered on student volunteers who pack and distribute food and supplies. Staff and student speakers said the backpack program typically packs about 70 bags per week and the pop-up pantry effort has grown from serving roughly 200 families to nearly 800 families in recent years.

“Everything’s donated. Everything is donated,” said Miss Warner, a district staff member who described the program’s donated supplies and partners. School staff also credited the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank with supplying fresh produce, meats and other donated items for the pop-up pantries.

Student volunteers described why they participate. “I’ve done every single food pantry except for one when I had COVID. And I really started to love it after the second time,” said Sage, a student volunteer, who described the gratitude of families who use the pantry.

Presenters said the initiative began at one school and expanded to other buildings after staff and central administration saw broader district need. Volunteers include Interact and National Honor Society students alongside school counselors and central-office staff who identify families in need.

Board members and presenters noted other supports tied to the effort: a clothing closet at the high school known locally as the “Chick-fil-A closet,” backpack and jacket drives at the start of the school year, and monthly collection boxes hosted by the Monroeville Public Library. School staff said some houses of worship and private donors also contribute.

District staff asked residents who want to donate cash to send contributions “in care of the food pantry” to Mr. Zorella, the district contact the board named during the meeting. Presenters also said Macy’s awarded a $2,000 grant this year to support winter clothing purchases.

The United Way representative at the meeting said the district’s video submission to the Champions program was the strongest received and presented the district with a banner; the video itself was not shown at the board meeting.

The presentation concluded with thanks to volunteers, staff and partner agencies; no board action was taken on the presentation.