Great Bend schools once again partnered with Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc.’s (WEC) annual Power the Pantry food drive to support the Community Food Bank of Barton County. Students from eleven area schools participated in the friendly competition, collecting an impressive 10,944 pounds in combined food and cash donations ($1 = 1 lb.) throughout the October event.

Thanks to the continued generosity of Gifting Forward, $1,500 in cash prizes were awarded to the top four schools based on the highest per-student contributions, recognizing students’ commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community. All donations were delivered to the Community Food Bank of Barton County just before Thanksgiving, helping ensure local families receive essential support during the holiday season.

With this year’s contribution, the 11-year total collected through Power the Pantry (formerly Cram the Van) in Great Bend has grown to over 103,000 pounds—more than 51 tons of food and monetary donations since the event began in 2014.

“This event empowers our local students to make a difference by supporting those in need, while teaching them the meaningful impact of small acts of kindness. Through their efforts, they experience how every contribution, no matter the size, can profoundly affect the lives of others,” said Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communication for WEC. “All of this is made possible through the continued generosity and support of Gifting Forward.”

Every fall since 2014, Wheatland Electric Cooperative (WEC) has brought communities across southwest and central Kansas together to support local food banks. As needs have grown, WEC has expanded its Power the Pantry (formerly Cram the Van) initiative beyond food collection, contributing $50,000 annually and partnering with others to raise matching funds for even greater impact.

Thanks to the generosity of members and local partners, WEC has provided over 279 tons (558,183 pounds) of food and cash to area food banks — all donated directly to the communities where contributions were made or designated.

For more information or to find out how to be a community partner, visit www.weci.net/cram-van-food-drive.