LIBERTY Liberty's 5th and 6th-grade Student Council members organized a food drive to support the Liberty Food Pantry at Church Hill United Methodist Church in Liberty on 

With the help of teachers and community members, students at the drive collected over 3,000 food items throughout December. By this total tallying of pantry items from throughout the elementary building only, the total number of donated goods from the community is even larger.

"We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to everyone who donated," Cyndi Marinoff, co-student council advisor, stated. "These donations will truly make a difference for families in our community."

The Liberty Student Council stated in a news release that they are proud to support the Liberty Food Pantry and thankful for the help of everyone involved.

"We are always grateful for donations so we don't have to purchase them," Sharen Wathen of Church Hill United Methodist Church stated.

The Liberty Food Pantry runs out of the church and provides food to families in need around the Liberty area. The food that goes through the pantry is donated in part to events like those run by local student organizations.

"What we really enjoy is the connection with the school. There are Liberty families who come here, and it's a great bridge to the community," Wathen stated. "We serve about 90 families each month, so this food reaches hundreds of people.

The Church Hill United Methodist Church is located at 189 Church Hill-Hubbard Road.