The PHS Pulse dance team will be trick-or-treating next Friday from 6-8 p.m. — right alongside the other spooks and gremlins — but the dancers will be collecting items to stock the PHS Food Pantry, which is used by many families in our community.
The PHS Pulse donation drive is held in conjunction with the Iowa State Dance Team Association and is part of a statewide collection, according to PHS Pulse Coach Faye Southward. Schools across Iowa are seeking donations for their local food banks during October, and teams collecting the most items will be recognized at the state competition in December, she said.
Southward said she spoke with the PHS counselors, and they recommended the following items as most needed:
- canned meals, such as spaghettios, soup, etc.
- mac-and-cheese cups
- noodle cups
- rice cups
- canned fruits and vegetables
- microwaveable meals
- boxed meals that only require water to be added
- long-lasting fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, potatoes, etc.
- toilet paper
- cleaning products
- laundry products
- personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, etc.)
- low-profile socks (new, unused)
- unused, unwrapped underwear
- gently worn clothing items, such as hooded sweatshirts, Perry wear, crew necks
If you would like to donate but are unable to participate during trick-or-treat night on Oct. 29 from 6-8 p.m., pantry items may be dropped off with the PHS counselors or any dance member by Oct. 31.
Among the PHS Pulse Dance Team members and managers who will be trick-or-treating are seniors Misty Gomez, Sebastian Hernandez, Daniela Magana, Marielena Ramirez and Nubia Torres; juniors Jaqueline Cresencio, Emily Hernandez, Rubi Hernandez and Keyli Torres; and sophomores Bella Burgos, Brynley Hayes, Laisha Hurtado, Sarai Jaimes and Maria Tamez.
