Momauguin Elementary School Student Launches Food Donation Drive

EAST HAVEN, CT - Jordan Gamble was so moved by a book about helping others he read in Mrs. Madonna’s class at Momauguin Elementary School, he decided to do something to make a difference himself.

So the 8-year-old began collecting food donations for the East Haven Food Pantry.

His mother, Shannon Prindle told Patch that he’s committed to helping the hungry.

“As an autistic boy, this is him stepping way out of his comfort zone,” she said, “But he feels good helping.”

Prindle posted to Facebook: "Jordan just read about kids that have done charitable acts in their communities or other communities and parts of the world. He became inspired like he has before but hasn’t had much luck previously."

She told her son she would help and Jordan's Food Donations Facebook page was born and a movement on social media to help the boy help others. The goal, Prindle said, was to begin by making donations to the East Haven Food Pantry, which thanked him on Facebook.

Prindle said people may drop off boxed and canned food donations at the family home, his mother said, located at 125 Thompson Ave. in East Haven. Or, she said, "We'll come to you."

Update: Mayor Joseph A. Carfora was so moved by Jordan's good works, he went shopping.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimated that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans would not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.