Students at St. Jerome Regional School recently collected more than 700 food items during a monthlong “March Madness” food drive aimed at supporting local food banks.

The initiative, themed “March Madness to win the Cereal Bowl,” encouraged donations of nonperishable food items, with a special focus on cereal. The drive was the third in a series of mission-focused collections held throughout the school year, tying into the Lenten season and the practice of almsgiving.

“The students and their families did a great job responding to our food drive,” said mission coordinator Jean Dando. “These acts of kindness to those in need help us live up to our Lenten promise of almsgiving in a real and tangible way.”

Principal Amy Hannis-Miskar said the project reflects the mission of the school, which is in Hometown.

“At St. Jerome Regional School, we are called to live fearlessly through faith, and this project is a beautiful example of that mission in action. Inspired by our patron’s call to ‘seek and you shall find,’ our students are not only growing academically but also learning to lead lives rooted in compassion, service and family values.

“Through efforts like this, they are helping to build a community of conviction, respect and excellence while leaving a meaningful legacy of care for others.”

Students collected a total of 751 items, which will be distributed to three food banks serving Schuylkill and Carbon counties.

Participation was tracked through a pictograph displayed in the cafeteria. For every five items donated, classes earned one “Fruit Loop,” creating a visual representation of progress and encouraging friendly competition. Fourth Grade Blue and Preschool were named contest winners.

To celebrate the students’ accomplishment, teachers and staff stood the boxes up around the school to take part in a domino-style activity, with the event recorded for the school community.

“As SJRS missionaries we view this as a very beneficial project. Not only are we having fun at school, but we are able to participate in almsgiving by providing help to those who need it,” said Student Council President Lillian Porambo.

“We are truly grateful we have the opportunity to be the reason someone smiles,” added Student Council Secretary Lillian Gallagher.

Missions representative Avion Graham Cruz said, “It is a great way to help people in need.”