From a wide variety of food items to toiletries — three packed SUVs worth — Newtown High School’s athletics programs, with help from the community, provided a tremendous amount of needed supplies for FAITH Food Pantry.

Each of the high school’s spring sports programs had designated late-April home games/collection dates and accepted specific items from students, parents, and other fans during the first Nighthawks Week Of Giving, spearheaded by NHS Cheerleading Coach Susan Bridges.

The supplies were dropped off at FAITH Food Pantry in early May.

“I felt we had a great opportunity with all these families and students,” Bridges said. “It exceeded our expectations. It kind of blew us away.”

Bridges added that the high school sports teams plan to do this again in the fall and winter, as well as next spring — getting every program involved and making this a tradition.

FAITH Food Pantry Secretary Joan L. Brand wrote the following in a letter to the NHS athletics programs: “FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown, Inc wishes to extend our most heartfelt appreciation from your recent most caring and generous donation of food items coupled with a significant cash contribution. As a result of your substantial gift, a host of local individuals and families facing food insecurity will be delivered a better quality of daily life. Please know at least the next two months, as we close in on summer, will be made easier to provide for those in need. We are touched and humbled by your kindness.

“To each and every Nighthawk spring athlete who participated in Nighthawks Week of Giving, thank you for choosing to share in FAITH’s mission. FAITH is blessed by your outreach. Your parents and coaches are honored by your play on and off the field as well. FAITH cannot thank you enough.”

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.