Manila student collecting for food pantry

Andrew Barks, ninth grade student at Manila High School, has always had a heart for giving and sharing.

He also enjoys decorating for Christmas with his grandfather Andy Flannigan. This year Andrew decided to get the best of both with a little extra Christmas lighting complete with Christmas music for people to enjoy and turn it into a fundraiser for the Manila Food Pantry.

Andrew said with Covid-19 he thought about people who are having a difficult time.

“In school we have always collected food for the food pantry and I decided this would be a good opportunity for me to help the food pantry,” Andrew said.

Andrew and his grandfather have created a beautiful Christmas display with lighted angels, life size manger scene, decorated trees with twinkling lights, lots of lights on top and around the house, and much more. The lights keep time with 20 Christmas songs.

The first weekend was the Friday night and Saturday night following Thanksgiving. Andrew was very appreciative for the visitors who donated not only non-perishable food but $300 in cash which will go to the food pantry and in turn help feed people in the community.

Andrew plans to be out every Friday and Saturday evening until Christmas greeting people and collecting for the food pantry. He hopes to have the lights on the entire week of Christmas and invites everyone to stop by and enjoy the display.

“This will be a hard year for many people and I hope people can drive by and enjoy our decorations,” Andrew said.

He is hopeful this will start a Christmas tradition. He is already planning what he wants to add for next year.

Andy and Andrew worked on the display for about two weeks getting it ready to light up the night after Thanksgiving. They did have to redo the signs after a windy night took them down.

The display of lights is located at his grandparentsí home, Andy and Janiece Flannigan, 411 North Boston Street.

Andrew is the son of Gary and Michelle Barks of Manila. Other grandparents include Amy Flannigan and Shirley Hale.