Magic Happens at Morley's Red Wagon Brigade

Magic happens at Morley Elementary School.

So said Alicia Marotto, coordinator for the West Hartford Food Pantry, who noted that the 30 wagons full of food for the 19th annual “Red Wagon Brigade” somehow multiplied into more than 64 wagons Wednesday morning.

“They just showed up,” Marotto said.

A parade of children in blue shirts pulled those wagons filled with 3,000 food items from Morley - with firefighter and police officer escorts - to Town Hall to donate to the food pantry.

“I can’t believe what happened here,” Marotto said. “My heartfelt thanks.”

The event is more than just a cute photo opportunity.

The annual donation is one of the largest fall food drives for the food pantry and assists in stocking the pantry shelves for the upcoming holiday season.

“What you did is a very special thing today,” Marotto said. “There are people in need in town. You asked your friends, family and neighbors for help. And look what happens.”

More than 700 households used the West Hartford Food Pantry last year, Marotto said.

With the students’ efforts, “I know the shelves will fill again and help those around us, especially during the winter months,” Marotto said. “You can be sure you did a special thing you did today.”

Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor said that her oldest son was in the first class to take part in the Red Wagon Brigade 19 years ago.

“This is one of my favorite days,” Cantor said. “Remember how good you feel today and carry that with you every day. … We appreciate all that you have done for people in the community who may be a little bit hungry.”

State Sen. Beth Bye told the children that West Hartford is “The Town That Cares.”

“You’re the next generation of The Town That Cares,” she said.

Morley Principal Dr. Ellen Stokoe said that some children in town will be able to have a Thanksgiving because of the students’ efforts.