Somerset School has collected food for local food shelves for over twenty-five years. Their goal is to collect close to 1,200 food items each year. If every student and staff member donates 3 or more food items, they get very close to achieving their goal. The food drive lasts two weeks and each day has a suggested item to donate, but all donations are welcome.

 

Teachers do awareness activities with their classes, such as: showing a video, reading a book, having a thoughtful class discussion, or inviting a special guest speaker to visit. Some teachers bring in a few food items on the first or second day of the food drive to demonstrate to students the value and importance of giving. All teachers designate a collection box in their classroom. A progressive number tally or math chart is displayed in their classrooms to record the food items students donate. 

 

Third and fourth grade students collect the donated items about two times per week. The students count the items, pack them in groups of 10 or 20 in paper grocery bags by the office and chart the grand total on the giant thermometer for everyone to see. Some staff help by bringing in grocery bags.  

 

“It is fun to see the younger students’ excitement about bringing items for the food drive. Their enthusiasm for helping and giving back to our community is fantastic!” said one educator.

 

Thank you, Somerset Elementary! (And good luck reaching your goal this year.) We’re cheering for you! 

Submitted by Alex Messicci, Teacher