Poland pupils grant teacher’s wish, help people who are in need of food

By Elise Franco

POLAND — All Marilyn Johnstone wanted for Christmas was to help those in need.

In lieu of a holiday gift from pupils in her class at Poland Union Elementary, this year Johnstone asked for canned and dry food for the New Life Church and God’s Warehouse Food Pantry on East Western Reserve Road in Poland.

“I saw the need and thought it was a teachable moment,” she said. “The kids could learn the true art of giving.”

Johnstone said her class began bringing in items the third week in November.

The kids collected until Friday, when Anita Oles, director of the food pantry at New Life Church, came to pick up the four boxes of goods.

Oles said today — and every third Saturday of the month — close to 500 people will be served at the food pantry.

“We’re excited about this because the need is so much greater,” she said. “We’ve become the largest food pantry in Mahoning County.”

Oles said she and her husband started the pantry 41‚Ñ2 years ago out of the back of their car.

She said the need for assistance is rising among families in the area, and every bit helps.

Because of the generosity of Johnstone’s class, and others who donate, Oles said the pantry has never run out of food.

“We’ve been so blessed,” she said. “And if you instill donating in these kids early, they’ll take it into adulthood.”

Although the food drive for Johnstone’s class has ended, several children said they were interested in continuing to donate and volunteer.

Aubrey Schweers, 9, said she brought in macaroni and cheese, rice and cake mix.

“Doing this made me feel great and helpful,” she said.

Aubrey’s classmate Claire Morris said she was happy when the class was asked to donate.

“I felt like it was good that we were going to help the people who needed food,” she said.

Johnstone said she couldn’t believe the response from her class when she told them about donating.

“They were thrilled. I’ve never seen kids so excited about giving mac and cheese and beans,” she said. “It shows their compassion and gratitude for what they have.”

Johnstone said she also appreciated help received from her class’s families.

“The families were extremely positive,” she said. “I ask, and they give.”

Johnstone said she wants her pupils to remember this as they grow older.

“It’s been a very positive experience for them and for everyone,” she said. “Hopefully, when they grow to be adults, they remember this feeling of giving.”

efranco@vindy.com