Students 'Rock' Food Pantry With More Than 1,250 Donated Items

One of Washington Township’s elementary schools has a pretty catchy slogan.

It’s called “Cucinella ROCKS” for students who attend the Benedict A. Cucinella School on Naughright Road. And the student body there recently made it very known why the motto is true.

After hearing supplies at the Long Valley Food Pantry were low, all five grade levels at the school – Kindergarten through fifth – jumped into action to help.

The result was an immense pile of goods, totaling more than 1,250 items donated by students and their families to the local food pantry.

The second graders brought in the most items, a total of 273, which garnered an extra recess period as a reward.

“As part of the ROCKS program at Cucinella, students look for opportunities to be good citizens,” said Monica Whitmore, Assistant Principal. “Their commitment to assist community members in need is applauded.”

Members of the fifth grade ROCKS team who pitched in to sort and box the donations included: Ryan Colatriano; Tristan Valentino; Matthew Stober; Bridgette Clark; Nick Murello; Nina Liloia; Brandon Chen; Chelsea Gonzalez; and Andrew DiGabriele.

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