Retired Perkins School music teacher Maria Walton, who has been graciously volunteering on behalf of the NCSD Music Department for several years to help the Newark Food Closet, is once again reminding everyone non-perishable food, personal hygiene items and monetary donations will be collected at the seven remaining concerts this school year.
Walton is asking folks who will be attending to bring one or more items with them that will be given to the Food Closet, or they can opt to provide a monetary donation.
Noting many students in Newark schools are involved in music, Walton encouraged their families, friends and relatives attending these concerts to help.
“The Newark community was overwhelmingly generous during the December music concerts. We collected more donations during that week than any other holiday season collection. As the March and June concerts approach, we would like to remind everyone to remember to bring donations for the Newark Food Closet to the concerts if you are able. The NFC becomes quite bare in the spring and summer so if you can help in any way it would be greatly appreciated!
Newark Food Closet President Lisa Barrett said donations, especially after Christmas, are very important because fewer people typically donate after the holiday season.
Because it has been receiving fewer donations overall, the Food Closet, located in the basement of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church since January1st serves only Newark, Port Gibson and East Palmyra residents, NOT all of Wayne County and is only open three days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until noon and no longer on Saturdays.
Walton will be collecting food at the following concerts this school year:
• Grades 4-12 Cavalcade of Bands, 7 p.m., March 6th, High School Gymnasium
• Grades 4-12 Festival of Song Choral Concert, 7 p.m., March 11th, High School Auditorium
• High School Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., June 2nd, High School Auditorium.
• 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7:15 p.m., June 3rd, Middle School Auditorium
• High School Chamber and Mixed Choirs Concert, 7:30 p.m., June 4th, High School Auditorium
• Kelley School 4th and 5th grade Bands, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Choruses and Bucket Brigade Concert, 7 p.m., June 5th, Kelley School Auditorium
• 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Chorus Concert, 7 p.m., June 9th, Middle School Auditorium
Between concerts, food donations can be dropped off at the Newark Food Closet on days it is open or at Citizens Bank at 711 W. Miller St.
Persons who would like to send a monetary contribution may send a check, made out to the Newark Food Closet, to this address: Newark Food Closet, 301 E. Miller St., Newark, NY 14513.