BELFAST — 'Tis the season to be giving . . .

The fifth grade class at East Belfast Elementary School are getting ready to do just that . . . be giving!  On Friday, Nov. 30, the class, along with their teacher, Mrs. Erin Ireland, and the rest of the school, kicked off their annual Belfast Food Cupboard Drive.

With the help of Rev. Joel Krueger of the Greater Bay Area Ministerium, along with John Arrison and Dick Frost of the GBAM Food Cupboard Board, the class was deputized as Food Cupboard Santas, promising to do their best to "bring food and sustenance to the hungry, hope to the hopeless, and joy to everyone they meet," according to a news release.

In the coming weeks, the students will learn more about hunger in our area, how one in five Maine children are food insecure, and how they and others can help bring relief for some of the 14.4 percent of Maine families who don't get enough to eat. They will learn about organizations like the GBAM Food Cupboard, located in the Belfast United Methodist Church on Mill Lane, other local food pantries and other groups who work to battle hunger.

Now until December 21, they will start collecting non-perishable food items and money donations as well as hold a Holiday Bazaar on Monday, Dec. 17, at which students will have a chance to purchase small holiday items for their families. The proceeds from the Bazaar and all their collections will go to the Food Cupboard.

To donate items for the student's Holiday Bazaar (such as costume jewelry, clean toys, mugs, cards, puzzles, or whatever you think might appeal to young shoppers - no clothing) you can bring it to the school office until Friday, Dec. 14.  

Donations of food and money will also be accepted.

East Belfast Elementary is located at 14 Swan Lake Ave.

For more information, call the school office at 338-4420.