Morley Students Deliver 66 Wagons in 32nd Red Wagon Drive

West Hartford’s youngest citizens delivered 66 wagonloads of hope on a crisp Thursday morning. Roughly 150 Kindergarten through grade 2 students from Morley Elementary School made the 1.22-mile trek from their school to Town Hall, pulling red wagons loaded with non-perishable food donations for the West Hartford Food Pantry.

The event marked the 32nd annual Morley Red Wagon Food Drive. The students, joined by school and town officials, unloaded the wagons and wheeled carts full of donated items into the pantry building to stock the shelves. The donation, which Principal Laura Meka said amounts to over 3,200 food items, appears to be the largest ever by the school.

Students take part in 32nd annual Red Wagon Food Drive

Community Leaders Celebrate the Tradition

Principal Laura Meka, who was appointed to lead the school this summer and is participating in her first Red Wagon Drive, praised the community’s effort. I’m so proud and honored to be part of the Morley Elementary School 32nd annual Red Wagon Food Drive. It’s my first one, but it’s your 32nd. Together we have collected over 3,200 food items, she said, adding that the items collected go right back to the West Hartford community. Meka thanked students, families, and staff for their kindness, generosity, and caring for others, noting that even the smallest hands can make a huge difference.

A Generous Boost for the Food Pantry

Alex Bueno from the West Hartford Food Pantry congratulated and thanked the Morley community. We’re going through times where it’s very difficult to put food on the table, he said, adding that Morley has provided a significant boost. He praised the tradition, stating, The tradition that you’ve been doing for decades has shown our community how unified we are.

A Multi-Generational Effort

Mayor Shari Cantor, who noted the day is one of her favorite of the year and has participated every year, shared a personal connection. All four of my sons went to Morley, and my oldest was in the first group of kids to deliver food when the initiative started, on a smaller scale, 32 years ago, she said. Cantor expressed gratitude, You guys have just continued to contribute, make it bigger and make it so strong, and mentioned her own granddaughter will participate the following year. Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus also addressed the crowd, calling the day one of my favorite days, when the red wagon brigade comes to Town Hall in such a spirit of community giving. Members of the West Hartford Police and Fire Departments, along with many parents, served as escorts for the walk.