Recognizing the gap in assistance offered, the Fenton Kiwanis organizations have created a food and supply pantry at Fenton Intermediate School for community members to utilize.

“The share room is similar to a thrift store, but there’s no expense,” Principal Mark Suchowski said. “People can donate and anyone from the community can come in and take anything in there.”
Many also refer to the share room as a “nonprofit Goodwill.” It is an opportunity for students to get involved in the greater Fenton community.

“Our job for KEY Club is to go to the FIS building and organize and clean up the share room,” president of KEY Club Jamie Elrod said. “We help in any way needed, whether that is folding clothes or getting rid of things they don’t need.”

The extra hands on deck doing the work of unpacking, hanging and displaying items in an attractive way is where high schools students assist the most.

“There’s also miscellaneous toys, books and things for kids,” Elrod said. “It’s really nice for families especially during Christmas time, so they can just go there and do Christmas shopping or school shopping at the beginning of the year.”

FIS is also responsible for organizing events such as a backpack program which fills bags with nonperishable food and school utensils in the fall and a book drive in the spring.

“It’s to build the community,” Suchowski said. “When you have a young one that’s involved in a program and you have a need, we can meet the need as a community, not just for your child’s education, but among other things.”

Students can donate to the share room at 404 W. Ellen Street if they have non-perishable food, clothing, unopened toiletries or household goods.