Walk-a-thon to boost Thornton Community Closet Food Bank

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According to the most recent United States Census survey, 17.5 percent of Rhode Island’s children – one out of every six kids – are living in poverty.

That glaring statistic has caused concern among people connected with Johnston’s Thornton Elementary School community, especially Principal Louise Denham, nurse-teacher Deborah Gannon and Sheri LaFazia.

Even Robert LaFazia, who owns and operates LaFazia Auto Body and is a veteran Johnston School Committee member, is deeply concerned that some children may, in fact, be going hungry.

So much so, in fact, the education board’s vice chair – whose district includes Thornton Elementary School, located at 4 School St. – will attend a unique event Saturday inside Johnston War Memorial Park and is encouraging as many people as possible to join him at any time during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“Please join us for the Thornton Elementary School Walk-a-thon,” said Sheri LaFazia, a new member of the school’s PTO board. “The walk will help support the Thornton Community Closet Food Bank.”

She explained that the school’s PTO is asking walkers to make a monetary donation of $5 and have friends and family sponsor a student or adult to walk. The minimum sponsorship is $5 per person.

“We’re also asking people to donate five non-perishable food items, five boxes of macaroni, two jars of peanut butter and two boxes of cereal either before or during Saturday’s Walk-a-thon,” she added. “Of course, any and all donations will certainly help boost the supply.”

The food bank supports local families and accepts donations of canned goods, with cash donations used to purchase perishable products weekly.

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