The Pantry of Broward has teamed up with an Oakland Park school in an effort to teach children the benefits of philanthropy.

Penny Loughan, the CEO of the Fort Lauderdale outfit that provides food and assistance to low-income seniors, offers this update on the students' progress:

This week we visit with St. Mark’s Episcopal School fourth-graders and follow them on their lesson in philanthropy, and see them intensely focusing on ways to give back to their community.

Lesson plans created by teachers Mrs. Knafo, Mrs. Glasser, and Mrs. Knife this week have been encouraging discussion among this group of students and they seem especially thoughtful to the questions: “Why people are hungry, how we can help them and why we should help them”.

Their responses so far, reveal that the students are carefully crafting what kind of project would best serve the seniors who are helped by The Pantry of Broward:
"Its so sad that some people have nothing to eat," says Naomi E.

"Everyone should have enough food," says Paige V.

"It gives us a chance, an opportunity, to be better," says Colin F.

St. Mark’s first- and second-graders are busily collecting “Pennies for Pasta” and “Nickels for Noodles”, in which they will turn over the change to The Pantry of Broward for the agency to purchase the macaroni products.

Parents, tell us about your projects to involve children to share their wealth -- be it time, money or food?

Pictured: Ron Hayde, St. Mark’s school chaplain, with students in Mrs. Knife’s class.

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