The Cranston High School East class of 1979 was challenged by the class of 1980 to “pay it forward,” and they answered the call though a donation to the Comprehensive Community Action Program’s Food Bank.

Following in the footsteps of this year’s senior class and several others, class of 1979 classmates worked to spread the word and collect non-perishable food donations in an effort to replenish the food bank’s shelves.

CCAP is a private, nonprofit community action agency dedicated to fighting the war on poverty. Individuals and families depend on CCAP when times are tough, and particularly during the current crisis.

The 1979 classmates were determined to lend a helping hand by providing not just food but also personal hygiene items or monetary donations.

Alumni from the class of ’79, along David and Karen Stenhouse, Julie Palmieri Iaciofano, Dennis Bouchard, Joanne Burrows Sadlowski, Lindsley Capuano, Darlene Lepore and Gail Scognamiglio – and with a shout-out from Mayor Allan Fung – dropped off five carloads of food last week.

CCAP is seeing an unprecedented number of community members turn to its food bank for assistance during the current crisis. Non-perishable food, paper goods and cleaning products can be donated any weekday (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 311 Doric Ave. in Cranston.

Formore information, call 467-7013.