Strawhatters concert to benefit Saranac School Food Pantry

SARANAC | The Strawhatters Concert Band is performing a special concert to benefit the Saranac Central School's Food Pantry. Strawhatters Director and Conductor Jeanette Woodruff is a former music teacher who directed the High School Band at Saranac Central for 24 years. A solid supporter of the school food pantry program, her daughter Rachael raised over $2,000 in a Miles to Meals run two years ago to help boost pantry supplies for the start of the school year. Ms. Woodruff said the Strawhatters are aiming to do the same. "The community collects for the school food pantry during the year, but not when school's out," she said. "We thought it might be a boost for them if we do an event in the summer." The concert is Tuesday, Aug. 19, starting at 6 p.m. at the Saranac United Methodist Church. If it's a nice evening, the musicians will play outdoors. If it rains, it will be held indoors. There is no set fee for admission, but Strawhatters are asking people to come listen and bring a food donation, non-perishable items, or a cash donation, all of which goes directly to the school food pantry. The Strawhatters performed a benefit earlier this summer for the Interfaith Food Shelf, Woodruff said. Most recently, they were heard by the hundreds who attended Michigan Fest at the county fairgrounds. "We have over 50 people on our roster," she said of the musicians who first learned to play in school. Strawhatters have been in existence for over 60 years, Ms. Woodruff said. "We rehearse in Chazy, but play all over Clinton County at concerts and in parades. There are all ages in the group; we have people who are going to be freshmen in high school and one musician in his 80s." They come together from across the region: Champlain, Mooers, Vermontville, Peru, Plattsburgh, Chazy, Ausable, Saranac. "Music is something you can do for the rest of your life. It's fun seeing those 14-year-olds sitting next to people a few decades older than they are, playing the same music, all of that is just so cool. "It's a community band, so anybody who plays a band instrument can join," she said. Strawhatters are always looking for places to play and ways to help. Saranac Central School Counselor Charlena Lechuga, who coordinates the school's food pantry, said they are happy to have the support. The pantry helps feed about 20 families on a weekly basis. Asked what the youth need most, she said they stock non-perishable items and personal hygiene supplies. "The best things to donate are shelf-stable items. We don't have any place to store refrigerated foods, so pasta, rice, canned goods, peanut butter, jelly and bread are really helpful. We have a partnership with the regional food bank, and once per month, we are able to get bread items from them. But any type of rolls, bread are good additions. "The kids do like snack items, especially in the high school," she said. "A lot of the kids are preparing meals on their own. They love the quick items to put in the microwave, like Mac n Cheese cups, and they love Ramen. They like different snacks, too, like fruit snacks, dried fruit, granola bars, slim jims, canned chicken, tuna fish and beef jerky. "We also supply toiletry items, including feminine hygiene products, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash. We provide socks and have a coat drive at the school every year." Saranac Central's Food Pantry has immense support from area residents, she said. "Our community is wonderful for sure, they always show up." Middle School Principal Katie Francisco and High School Principal Tracy Manor championed the many ways people find to help out. The food pantry has worked very well, they said. "I am just grateful that we have a sustainable program due to fundraisers like Strawhatters and The Saranac United Methodist Church, which is also affiliated with Jeanette, and has donated in the past, so we can continue to eliminate food insecurities in our school district," Ms. Francisco said. "Parents can let us know if they need a little extra help. We are able to send home food and toiletries each Friday." At the High School, Ms. Manor said they started the food shelf a few years back. "From a principal's perspective, props to Ms. Lechuga. Her efforts go beyond food and toiletry items, it's really done with a lot of heart. We're very fortunate to have community members like Jeanette and the Strawhatters to support us," Ms. Manor said. "The generous acts of our community are what makes Saranac so special." Community members can donate to the Saranac Central School food pantry any time, Ms. Manor said. "Donations can be dropped off at the main offices. Our student clubs do drives throughout the school year, it's all very helpful. Any small donation helps." The concert on Aug. 19 starts at 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Saranac. To learn more about the Strawhatters, visit their Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/strawhatter Or contact them via email: strawhattersband@gmail.com

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Strawhatters concert to benefit Saranac School Food Pantry

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