Schools donate food, kids' clothes, prom dresses

Here are some other ways that local students, faculty members and school volunteers have been helping the community:

• The PTO at Gulfside Elementary School has set a goal of helping less fortunate families during these rough economic times. Since August the group has been collecting food and used kids' clothing for needy families. The PTO offered all donations free of charge before the start of school in August and in mid November.

• Homecoming at Anclote High had sophomores thinking of others who might not be able to afford a formal dress for the event. Anamaris Sanchez, Sasha Muhammad, Ashley Haynes, Alysa Mastrodonato and Nicole Mallia asked the school guidance counselor and sophomore class sponsor Jessica Metzler about starting a Cinderella's Closet at their school. She gave the go-ahead. Students went to work getting some local businesses to donate dresses and set up shop in Metzler's classroom. Seven students took advantage of the free dress offer. Cinderella's Closet organizers will open their shop again in the spring for both ladies and gents who need prom attire.

• Bishop Larkin Catholic School students collected almost 1,000 nonperishable food items during a recent food drive sponsored by the student council. Students donate food annually to the pantry at St. James Catholic Church.

• Pine View Middle students and faculty members recently collected 174 jars of peanut butter and $100 in donations for Christian Social Services and Habitat for Humanity of Central Pasco.