Patti’s Pantry: A Heartwarming Story of Love, Advocacy, and Community Support for Kids in Need: If you’ve ever felt the warmth of a loving teacher, the comfort of a helping hand in times of need, or the support of a community that lifts you up, then you know how invaluable it can be to have people who care. That’s exactly what Patti’s Pantry is all about—a place where kids in Tuscaloosa County schools and surrounding areas can find not only food and hygiene essentials but also the love and support they deserve.
Honoring the Legacy of Patti Slaton: Patti’s Pantry was founded in honor of Patti Slaton, a remarkable woman who made an unforgettable impact on the lives of countless children. Patti wasn’t just a teacher; she was the first face of kindness many students saw when starting kindergarten at Verner and Rock Quarry Elementary Schools in Tuscaloosa. She was more than just an educator; she was an advocate, a mentor, and a loving example of God’s compassion. For children who had never experienced the comforts of basic hygiene or had struggled with food insecurity, Patti was the one who made sure they were seen, heard, and cared for. Her unwavering support for every child who walked through her classroom doors left an imprint on their hearts and lives. It was this deep sense of care that led to the creation of Patti’s Pantry. The organization was established to continue Patti’s mission of serving children and teens who face food insecurity and lack essential hygiene products. It’s a legacy that goes beyond the classroom—a legacy of providing resources for kids in need.
The Mission of Patti’s Pantry: Patti’s Pantry is a non-profit charity committed to helping children and teens, particularly in middle and high school, who may not have access to basic necessities. The pantry program aims to ensure that no student has to go without food or essential hygiene items. In schools across Tuscaloosa County, Patti’s Pantry provides free access to food, clothing, and hygiene products—all donated by generous community members and organizations. Since launching its pilot program in August 2022 at Collins Riverside Intermediate School, Patti’s Pantry has expanded to multiple schools, including Collins Riverside, Holt High School, Hillcrest High School, Hillcrest Middle School, Echols Middle School, Sipsey Valley Middle School and is currently working on opening the Central High School Pantry. Each school pantry is stocked with the items that students need to thrive, and they offer a much-needed safe space for students who may be facing challenges at home. The pantries are a vital resource for students who might otherwise go without. They offer a simple, yet profound, solution to a very real problem—making sure that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can walk through the school doors with dignity and hope.
The Vision Behind the Pantry: Sherri Townsend: The vision for Patti’s Pantry was brought to life by none other than Sherri Townsend, a longtime friend of Patti’s and the mother of two of Patti’s former students, Allison and Cameron. Sherri, a passionate advocate for children and a dedicated realtor with Keller Williams Tuscaloosa, founded Patti’s Pantry to honor the profound impact Patti had on her own children and the countless others she helped over the years. Sherri’s love for Patti was more than friendship—it was a deep, lifelong bond built on shared values of love, service, and community. When Patti passed, Sherri knew that the best way to honor her memory was to create an organization that would continue to provide the same kind of care, compassion, and advocacy that Patti had shown to so many children. Thanks to Sherri’s dedication and drive, Patti’s Pantry has blossomed into the incredible resource it is today, helping kids and families who are facing difficult circumstances.
A Community United for a Common Cause: What makes Patti’s Pantry so special is that it’s not just an organization—it’s a community effort. It’s a partnership between local schools, families, and generous individuals who are committed to making sure that every student has what they need to succeed. From the volunteers who help stock the pantries to the donors who contribute food and hygiene products, Patti’s Pantry is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared goal: to help children who are in need. It’s not just about providing food and hygiene items; it’s about giving kids the hope and opportunity they deserve to have a brighter future.
How You Can Help: If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, Patti’s Pantry is always in need of donations and volunteers. Whether it’s non-perishable food items, hygiene products, or simply offering your time to help organize donations, every bit helps. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit their website or reach out to your local school to find out how you can make a difference. www.pattispantryal.org
Exciting News: Vegas Nights—Casino for a Cause! We’re gearing up for an unforgettable evening, and you won’t want to miss it! Patti’s Pantry is hosting a fundraiser to continue its mission of helping kids and teens in need across Tuscaloosa County—and this one is going to be a blast! Get ready for Vegas Nights: Casino for a Cause on April 17th! This spectacular event will be packed with all the excitement of a Vegas-style casino, with games, prizes, and plenty of opportunities to make a difference for the students who need it most. Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, this night promises fun, laughter, and the chance to support a truly amazing cause. The goal? To raise funds that will help expand Patti’s Pantry into even more schools, ensuring that more students have access to the food, hygiene products, and support they need to thrive. We’re hoping to spread the love and resources to even more beloved students across our community. Stay tuned because WalHen Properties will soon have all the details about how you can be a part of this exciting event. Whether you’re interested in sponsoring, attending, or just spreading the word, every little bit helps. It’s going to be a night full of glitz, glam, and good vibes—and most importantly, it’s going to make a BIG impact. So, mark your calendars, and get ready to roll the dice for a great cause. More info is coming your way soon—but trust us, you won’t want to miss this Vegas-style celebration that’s all about supporting our kids and making a difference.