Laguna Food Pantry receives 360 lbs. of groceries from the El Toro Boys Basketball team

The El Toro Boys Basketball team recently held a food drive to benefit the Laguna Food Pantry. The drive took place at El Toro High School throughout the week. The team started with a goal of collecting 100 canned goods. 

Within a few days, the team gathered over 600 cans equaling to 360 lbs. of groceries for the Pantry – support from the players, their families, and the community attributed to the success of the drive. The El Toro Girls Basketball team also helped collect groceries.

The El Toro Boys Basketball team is a program made up of 65-80 boys from all grade levels. The program focuses on more than basketball – not only winning on the court, but on building character while winning, in the classroom and the community. 

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Team members at the food drive supporting Laguna Food Pantry

Last Friday, the team’s coach, Nick Sainato, dropped off the entire donation. 

The demand for non-perishable groceries has increased due to the rising number of families in need during the COVID-19 crisis. The team’s donation will go a long way in ensuring shoppers continue to receive the groceries they need. 

“The New York Times reported that the COVID-19 pandemic could double how many people go hungry this year to 265 million worldwide,” said Laguna Food Pantry’s Executive Director Anne Belyea. “Thanks to the generosity of the El Toro Boys Basketball team, the Laguna Food Pantry can continue to serve our neighbors in need and provide food to the growing population of those with food insecurity. Our heartfelt thanks for believing and supporting our mission that no one should go hungry”.

The Laguna Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8 - 10:30 a.m. and now operating with a drive-through distribution system. Anyone in need is welcome to visit the site once a week. 

 The Laguna Food Pantry is always in need of donations. To make a donation, visit www.lagunafoodpantry.org.