Whiz Kids: West Woods Sixth-Graders Hold Drive to Help Food Pantry

Students at West Woods Upper Elementary School are learning a lot about math, science, reading — and helping people.

“Special K” has taken on a whole new meaning at West Woods Upper Elementary School in Farmington. Sixth graders on Team K held a three-week drive to collect cereal for the Farmington Food Pantry, one of many food pantries across the state facing dwindling supplies.

When students on Team K demonstrate outstanding citizenship, they receive “Special Ks” at team meetings, which are then added to a bulletin board display.  With the Special K theme in mind, a cereal drive seemed perfect.  The idea for the drive started with a discussion between the Team K Team Leader, Michael Buccetti, and his wife. Students donated over 150 boxes of cereal, well over the original goal of 100 boxes.

“We are fortunate to have such generous students and parents,” said Mr. Buccetti.  Many parents and students donated multiple times during the drive, he said. 

Cari from the Farmington Food Pantry said that cereal is a great donation, one that is often overlooked in favor of canned goods.

West Woods students are no strangers to giving, having collected thousands of dollars for UNICEF, hundreds of items for needy families during Thanksgiving, and most recently pennies to support neglected pets.

Mr. Buccetti says this Special K Cereal Drive is the first of what he hopes will become an annual event.