T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY

In response to the recent government shutdown and the temporary suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, students and staff at Hoglan Elementary launched a food drive for the community pantry located within the school building at 2306 S. 3rd Ave. and collected a total of 1,724 nonperishable items, easily surpassing their goal of 1,000 items.

“We’re donating the food to the people who need that food,” fourth grader Lorena Htoo said.

The pantry is open during regular school hours, and those who seek to utilize it are encouraged to make an appointment by calling (641) 754-1060. Pictured, from left to right, are fourth graders Natalia Nunez, Sofia Buenrostro, Bija Ljimani, Htoo and Madalynn Wahl.

“We set a really lofty goal this year,” Hoglan Principal Amy Williams said. “Going into our last day, we were not quite at 600, so we finished strong today, on Tuesday, with over 700 items donated today alone.”