Mom’s Pantry to collect goods at Mahomet-Seymour Homecoming Parade

BY DANI TIETZ
dani@mahometnews.com

There are children who come to school hungry.

Even in the Mahomet-Seymour School District.

When Mahomet-Seymour School District Teaching Assistant Cindy Brumfield saw her students come to school hungry, she kept a few snacks in her office.

“I knew their needs were greater than just breakfast, so I started thinking and reading and found out that schools all over were having pantries, so why not us?” Brumfield said.

She connected with Mahomet-Seymour Superintendent Lindsey Hall, who worked on a donation from the Mahomet Rotary, that took Brumfield’s independent contribution to a whole new level. The M-S Social work department contributed, too.

Over the next few months, what is now known as “Mom’s Pantry” in the Alternative Education Building at Mahomet-Seymour High School began to grow.

“Last fall one of the MSSC (Mahomet-Seymour Soccer Club) soccer teams did a food drive at the end of the season and donated it all to the pantry,” Brumfield said.

“Nic DiFilippo’s Econ class donated money from their cookie project, student council does a food drive every year in December and they donated part of what they collected.

“In May, Jennifer Wherley’s Ag Leadership class had a food drive at Lincoln Trail and it was all donated here. Her class also organized the items on the shelves that have been donated by Grace Church.

“Several staff members and community members have also given donations.”

By providing a one-time proof of address, Mom’s Pantry is serving students or families with a student in the Mahomet-Seymour School District with free non-perishable and personal hygiene items.

Brumfield also said there are a few items of clothing available, too.

The pantry is open on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., or by appointment.

Alongside providing students with food, Brumfield hopes that Mahomet-Seymour residents realize that there is also a need amongst their neighbors, even though the town is known for being affluent.

Helping the community know that Mom’s Pantry exists is Brumfield’s mission at this point.

M-S Interact volunteers will help spread the word at Mahomet-Seymour Homecoming Parade on Wednesday evening as they pull Mom’s Pantry wagons along the route, collecting non-perishable and personal hygiene items from spectators.

Brumfield said there are other ways to donate, too.

Mom’s Pantry has a Facebook page that shares information. Brumfield also takes calls at 217.586.7672 or email at cbrumfield@ms.k12.il.us.