Annual food drive gives Island families something to celebrate

Article and Photos by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

Birthday boxes were special treats that were part of this year’s collection of food that students and staff from the Grand Island Central School District offered to the community.

Dave Conboy, president of the Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island, said on Feb. 3, “The response from families was incredibly heartfelt and humbling. Many expressed deep gratitude – not just for the food, but for knowing their community cares about them and their children. The birthday boxes were especially meaningful, reminding families that, even during difficult times, their children are seen, valued and worth celebrating.”

Conboy pointed out the need for food assistance is year-round. After the holiday fundraisers, families and individuals still need food assistance.

“While the holidays often bring a surge of generosity, the need for food assistance exists every month of the year,” he said. “Families on Grand Island work hard and do their best, but unexpected expenses, fixed incomes, or changes in employment can quickly create food insecurity. We are deeply grateful that our community understands this and continues to show up for neighbors in need all year long.”

Current weather conditions also create hardships for families experiencing food insecurity.

“Winter weather can create additional challenges, from higher heating costs to transportation difficulties. These pressures can stretch already-tight household budgets even further. That’s why having a reliable, local support network is so important during this time of year,” Conboy said.

The annual food drive, organized by the Neighbors Foundation and titled the “Sharing Your Happiness Campaign” was a cooperation between the school district and the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation. On Dec. 11, 2025, students from Veronica Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School, along with teachers and volunteers from the Neighbors Foundation, put together boxes and bags of donated food for 103 Island families.

Warm hats were also donated to the food drive.

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According to a note on the Neighbors Foundation Facebook page, “Thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches, organizations, and local businesses, the campaign raised more than $33,300, crushing its $20,000 goal.” One of those donations, a $4,000 matching fund donation, came from the Rotary Club during Christmas week.

In addition, the Neighbors Foundation was able to assist 183 Grand Island families, which included 279 adults and 165 children.

The assistance included the birthday boxes, which were created by two separate groups.

One of the groups was Robin Aronica and her granddaughter, Cecily, who put together 10 birthday boxes.

“They did it as a little service project,” said Beth Boron, a member of the Neighbors Foundation board of directors. “Robin wanted to teach her granddaughter that there’s a need in the world to help others. This was just a way they could show that they care and bring a little extra joy into someone’s day when they’re having a birthday. Everything is in there that you need to make a birthday cake.”

Amy Boutet, a business teacher and yearbook adviser at the high school, said, “Our group decided to celebrate our 63rd Venture yearbook here at the high school. We would donate 63 birthday boxes to celebrate the people in this community. We thought, what do people need versus what do people want? Sometimes, when you don’t have a lot, you skip over these celebrations. We want to make sure that every family has something to celebrate. In our birthday boxes, we provided cake mix and frosting. Every box has a greeting card in it, so you have a card. Birthday candles. It comes in a sheet pan so they can bake their cake. It also has a can of Sprite, which can be used in lieu of egg and oil. We’re hoping that families that might be looking to celebrate a birthday will enjoy these birthday boxes.”

The birthday boxes are full of the materials needed for a birthday celebration.

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Not only were there birthday boxes, but there was also an abundance of treats for families, provided by the school district’s youngest students.

Carley Antonelli, who teaches physical education and health in Veronica Connor Middle School, as well as serving as a co-adviser to the Interact Club, along with Susan Moretti, said this event was a positive experience for the students.

“We try to make it as hands-on of a learning experience as we can. We took middle school and Sidway students shopping at Tops again to purchase $9,000 worth of food,” she said. “The kids are very excited to have an opportunity to give back. If you notice, the snack table is currently overflowing. We let kindergartners and first graders take the lead on what to grocery shop for. We have some treats to top off all the bags today. It’s wonderful that the kids on the Island that we’re supporting had their peers picking out things that hopefully they would enjoy.”

Conboy said, “It is always so heartwarming to see the Island pulled together with financial donations, as well as significant nonperishable food donations from the various churches, organizations and individuals, as well as the phenomenal support from the Grand Island school system. We are so grateful for the support of (Superintendent Brian) Graham and Carley Antonelli in helping ensure that we have this physical space in the gym to do this important work, as well as the helping hands from the kids, school, teachers and administrators who helped make this possible.”

Giana Dudek, a junior in Grand Island High School, said, “Today, we’re helping some less-fortunate families by giving them food, and we have quite a lot here. We organized it, and now, we’re just shopping for the families so they will have enough food per person.

“I love helping people. I love to volunteer for things, and I can just imagine the people’s faces when they see all this food for them. I love to help people in need. I think it’s awesome that we’re doing this. I was very shocked when I came in and helped unload the truck with how much food there was. I think it’s amazing that we’re doing this. I think it’s a great project for lessons and for teaching us morals and helping others, as well as helping our community. The people could be everyday people that we see in our lives.”

Antonelli also spoke about the abundant donations.

“I’m so excited that we had such a great turnout of donations,” Antonelli said. “Even when times are tough, and grocery prices are rising, people still found a way to come out and support families in our community. Our need is high, but the support and love were high, as well; so, we’re going to be able to provide a great Christmas and holiday season to quite a few families.

“We have quite a few kids who are coming back for their second or third year in a row helping us, and it’s something they look forward to. Our goal is, if we can actually have them see how it’s all being put to good use, they’ll buy in and make it part of their holiday tradition – that it’s something they do every year and continue to give back.”

“I just love seeing the kids involved because they’re the next generation of people who care,” Boron said. “The whole community has been involved in one way or another. I can’t think of one family on the Island that’s not either giving or receiving.

“They (the families) come and they get their bags and they get their gift cards and a turkey. It’s just a joyful day to see everyone working together for such a happy event, where everyone contributes.”

Conboy said, “It makes me happiest to know that we are fulfilling our mission of neighbors helping neighbors on Grand Island. The individuals that we are able to help are so important to us, and we are thankful that they trust us enough to reach out during a challenging time in their life and allow us to assist them in a way that makes their holidays a little bit more happy. All of us need a helping hand from time to time, and it is so gratifying to be able to pay it forward with those who we are fortunate to partner with and help as fellow Islanders.”

Those who need food assistance can receive confidential assistance by reaching out to the Neighbors Foundation at http://www.gineighborgs.org or by phone at 716-775-7998.

“We work hard to ensure dignity, privacy and compassion in every interaction,” Conboy said. “Asking for help is not a failure. It’s a sign of strength, and we are here to help.”