Marlow Elementary students were given a challenge by school counselor Tonya Ward to collect 780 food items, representing the total number of students enrolled in the school.

Ward spoke with Lisa Bush, director of Manna House, to discuss the needs and shortages they face each month. She made a list of the most-needed items such as pasta products, cereals, canned meat and baking mixes.

After the final count, a variety of more than 800 items had been donated from students and staff. Manna House officials expressed their gratitude for their efforts and were appreciative of the donations.

Manna House served 432 households with food during March and gave away over 61,000 pounds of groceries.

Manna House is located at 1210 Patriot Dr. (across from YMCA) Rincon. Food pantry and public thrift store hours are Monday from noon-3 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To host a food drive or to make a donation, contact Bush at 665-1985 or 826-2037.