ELIZABETTHOWN — The Bladen Crisis Assistance Food Pantry recently received a donation of 1.5 tons of food collected by the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students of Harrells Christian Academy.

Kathy Page, who is with the Food Pantry, said, “That was just amazing. I went and talked to them first, then they had the food drive.”

She said the week she was supposed to pick up the donations it had to be postponed due to inclement weather. When she arrived at the school, the food items collected were spread out on tables. Page said she brought bags and the students came into the room in different groups and helped to bag the items collected. She said once as many of the items as possible were bagged, the students then loaded the bags and extra items in her vehicle.

Page said the food drive was part of the school’s Spirit Week festivities and the students were also studying nutrition.

“The most important thing is to say thank you to the students of Harrells Christian Academy,” said Bladen Crisis Assistance President Chris Denny.

He added the students’ generosity will help to feed many folks in Bladen County.

Page said that about 65 percent of the clients served by the Food Pantry are senior citizens. Food bags are distributed each Thursday morning, according to Denny.

She said the Food Pantry has given out more than 700 tons of food since its inception in 2003.

“We try to get to the people who have fallen through the cracks (with assistance). Every day is a struggle for some of our clients,” said Page.

Other ministries of BCA include financial assistance in times of crisis, the thrift store in Elizabethtown, and a long-term disaster recovery team, according to Denny.

“BCA is a collaborative ministry of churches in Bladen County. Serving Christ, serving our county — extending God’s love to our neighbors,” said Denny.

Erin Smith can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

Contributed photo
Students in third through fifth grades at Harrells Christian Academy held a food drive recently to benefit the Bladen Crisis Assistance Food Pantry.
http://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_HCAdonation.jpgContributed photo
Students in third through fifth grades at Harrells Christian Academy held a food drive recently to benefit the Bladen Crisis Assistance Food Pantry.

Contributed photo
Students in third through fifth grades at Harrells Christian Academy held a food drive recently to benefit the Bladen Crisis Assistance Food Pantry.
http://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_HCAdonation2.jpgContributed photo
Students in third through fifth grades at Harrells Christian Academy held a food drive recently to benefit the Bladen Crisis Assistance Food Pantry.

By Erin Smith

erinsmith@civitasmedia.com