Housatonic FFA donates $4,800 from holiday store

FALLS VILLAGE — The Housatonic FFA chapter officially donated $4,800 to five food banks and one nonprofit organization in a brief ceremony at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Friday, Jan. 31.

Chapter president Chris Crane said the sales from the FFA’s holiday store allowed the organization to make $800 donations to Cornwall Food and Fuel, the Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville, the Kent Food Bank, Fishes and Loaves in North Canaan, the Sharon Food Pantry, and the Jane Lloyd Fund.

Representatives from most of the organizations were on hand to accept the real checks and to pose for photos with the FFA officers and a large prop check.

The food bank people all said that need continues to go up. Kathy Meara of the Corner Food Pantry said that the last distribution served 138 families, up from 80 to 90 in recent years.

Region One Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley thanked the students for their efforts, and the FFA and agriculture education programs in general.

“There is so much education and experience here that goes beyond the walls of the school,” she said. “And that is truly where the work takes place.”