Lots of kids in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district receive free and reduced-price lunch. But when school is not in session, that option isn’t there – and that can place an added financial burden on families that are already struggling to make ends meet, particularly around the Christmas season.

Every year, Estes Hills Elementary School conducts a school-wide food drive, “Food for Friends,” to collect nonperishable items for families in the school community. School social worker Betsy Booth spearheads the operation every year, with the help of volunteers. She says more than 100 Estes Hills students qualify for free and reduced lunch – and anything the community can do for those kids and their families over the winter break would help make it a merrier Christmas all around.

Betsy Booth spoke with WCHL’s Aaron Keck this week.

 

The “Food for Friends” drive began in November and runs until this Friday, December 11. Everyone’s invited to bring donations to Estes Hills Elementary School, located at 500 Estes Drive in Chapel Hill.