Great Bend Schools Competition, Sponsored by Gifting Forward, Raises 10,944 Pounds of Food

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GREAT BEND – Great Bend schools once again partnered with Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc’s (WEC) annual Power the Pantry food drive to support the Community Food Bank of Barton County.

Students from 11 area schools participated in the friendly competition, collecting an impressive 10,944 pounds in combined food and cash donations ($1 = 1 lb.) throughout the October event.

Thanks to the continued generosity of Gifting Forward, $1,500 in cash prizes were awarded to the top four schools based on the highest per-student contributions, recognizing students’ commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community. All donations were delivered to the Community Food Bank of Barton County just before Thanksgiving, helping ensure local families receive essential support during the holiday season.

With this year’s contribution, the 11-year total collected through Power the Pantry (formerly Cram the Van) in Great Bend has grown to over 103,000 pounds—more than 51 tons of food and monetary donations since the event began in 2014.

“This event empowers our local students to make a difference by supporting those in need, while teaching them the meaningful impact of small acts of kindness. Through their efforts, they experience how every contribution, no matter the size, can profoundly affect the lives of others,” said Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communication for WEC. “All of this is made possible through the continued generosity and support of Gifting Forward.”

CKCA 2025 First
Central Kansas Christian Academy (CKCA) celebrated a first-place victory in the Great Bend Schools Competition, collecting an incredible 28.13 pounds of food per student! Their outstanding efforts were rewarded with a $600 cash prize from Gifting Forward. Pictured are CKCA students and staff, joined by Matt and Dena Hiss of Gifting Forward, and Mary Hoisington of Wheatland Electric.
GBHE Second Place 2025
Golden Belt Home Educators (GBHE) earned an impressive second-place finish in the Great Bend Schools Competition, collecting 17.43 pounds of food per student! Their hard work paid off with a $400 cash prize from Gifting Forward. Pictured are GBHE students with instructor Madison Hembree, joined by Matt and Dena Hiss of Gifting Forward and Mary Hoisington of Wheatland Electric.
Lincoln Elementary School 2025 3rd place
Lincoln Elementary School proudly claimed third place in the Great Bend Schools Competition, collecting an impressive 12.92 pounds of food per student! Their efforts earned a $250 cash prize, generously provided by Gifting Forward. Pictured are Lincoln students and staff along with Mary Hoisington of Wheatland Electric and Matt Hiss of Gifting Forward.
Holy Family School Great Bend 2025 Fourth Place
Holy Family School secured fourth place in the Great Bend Schools Competition, raising an impressive 10.38 pounds of food per student! Their efforts earned a $250 cash prize, generously sponsored by Gifting Forward. Pictured are Holy Family students along with (back row, left to right) Mary Hoisington of Wheatland Electric, Garrett Rebel and Dena and Matt Hiss of Gifting Forward.