Raider Pantry Opens With Assist From Aidan Inteso Foundation

TOMS RIVER – February 1 marked the opening of High School East’s Raider Pantry, a place students can go when they need food, clothing, or everyday supplies.

Aside from being an indispensable place for students in need, the pantry’s 2023 opening was especially meaningful thanks to financial support from the Aidan Inteso Memorial Foundation. The nonprofit’s namesake is a former HSE student and hockey player who tragically passed away a few years ago. A benefit hockey game, A Game for Aidan, is held annually in his honor, and the foundation has carried on his legacy at East and throughout the community.

So much so that the school felt it appropriate and necessary to show the Aidan Inteso Memorial Foundation its gratitude for their support of the pantry, and to further acknowledge the ongoing impact that Aidan has within the school. A plaque was presented to Aidan’s family, which reads, “In Appreciation to the Aidan M. Inteso Memorial Foundation for Their Generous Donations that have made The Raider Pantry Possible.” The plaque features a photo of Aidan holding his hockey stick, and reads, “In Loving Memory of Aidan Inteso, Class of 2020.”

The plaque will serve as a marker for the Raider Pantry, a reminder of the goodwill he engendered for a space with the same mission.

The foundation’s donation, in fact, will not simply go toward stocking the shelves. High School East’s 18-21-year-old cohort of students receiving special services take on the responsibility of purchasing items for and stocking the pantry. Their trips to ShopRite and other outlets, for example, teach them the life skills of itemizing, budgeting, and interpersonal communication.

“The support of the Aidan Inteso Memorial Foundation for the Raider Pantry will, like Aidan himself, touch the lives of many people directly and indirectly,” said Principal Erin Anders. Anders was joined by East Ambassadors, hockey players, students, and staff, and Aidan’s family for the grand-opening celebration.