Ali's A.C.E (All Created Equal) will hold a fall food drive Monday through Friday in front of the Lakeside primary, intermediate and middle school buildings to help Lakeside families in need.
"I want to thank everybody that is contributing to the food drive as they support our kids and families. It means the world to me that we have so many people in our community willing to give so much," Superintendent Shawn Cook said.
Ali's A.C.E. (All Created Equal) Food Pantry and Clothes Closet was founded in honor of Alexis "Ali" Raeann Arguello, 21, of Hot Springs, who died on Feb. 19, 2016, in Missouri. Arguello was a 2012 graduate of Lakeside High School and would have graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2016. She studied Supply Chain Management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and planned on working for General Mills after graduation.
Ashley Bonds, executive director of Ali's A.C.E., said the committee has depended on the fall drive to supply them with food for families, noting typically they can survive off the donations for several months.
"We also receive food through donations and food drives held by our schools, local churches and businesses, individuals and other organizations. All donations are welcome, and we love to get special items not on the list, especially fresh produce," according to the A.C.E. Facebook page.
The fall food drive will be accepting cereal, Pop-Tarts, tuna, chicken, mac-n-cheese, pasta and sauce, Hamburger Helper, canned fruit, canned veggies, soups, stews, chili and other such items, she said.
"We also take used clothing and shoes as well as new underwear," Bonds said.
A.C.E. serves Lakeside families every Thursday during the school year, she said, noting they can come to A.C.E. and get five bags of groceries, including cereal, shelf-stable milk and laundry pods.
"We are open on Thursdays for food pick up, but school counselors and teachers have access to A.C.E. 24/7 to serve student needs. If they need food, snacks or a change of clothes, they can get those there," Bonds said.
"If a student falls and needs a change of clothes, they can utilize A.C.E.," she said.
According to its Facebook page, the A.C.E. closet ranges from baby to adult size clothes.
At the moment, the organization only has a food pantry and a clothing closet, Bonds said, noting the pantry is located at the backside of the Lakeside campus between the high school and bus barn.
"We have amazing donors who send us donations throughout the year. We also have been awarded grants," she said.
"A.C.E.'s mission is giving Lakeside students, and their families support through food distribution, clothes sharing, and nutrition education with dignity and attention to special needs. We believe in a 'hand up' not a 'hand out,'" according to its Facebook page.
This year, due to COVID-19, A.C.E.'s needs are growing. They have added the information for monetary donation options at their Simmons Bank A.C.E. account and their Project HOPE Food Bank account.
To receive help from A.C.E., contact a school counselor or come in person to the A.C.E. building when it is open. Proof of district residency is required, and all personal information is kept confidential.