Severna Park Elementary School Students Collect over 2,000 boxes of Macaroni and Cheese for Food Link, Inc. (January 31, 2011)
The Human Relations Committee, made up of 4th and 5th graders at Severna Park Elementary School spearheaded the collection of over 2,000 boxes of macaroni and cheese for Food Link, Inc., in Annapolis, MD.
 For over three weeks, the classes competed in the "The Big Cheese Competition" and the class with the most boxes collected won a pizza party. During an assembly, Principal Birus spoke to the school kids and explained that she was proud of each and every one of them. The boxes of food they collected will be donated to less fortunate people in the community who don't always have the food they need. In her eyes, every student was a "Big Cheese". The winning class was Ms. Jacoby's class with 467 boxes collected.
 The "Big Cheese" collection was presented to Cathy Holstom, Executive Director of Food Link, Inc. during the assembly. The boxes were hidden behind the stage curtain and stacked in a huge pyramid. As the curtain was drawn back, the entire student body was in awe at how much they had collected.
 Ms Holstrom explained to the students that they could not have chosen a better food to collect. "This is something that can feed people of all ages from toddlers to grandparents. What's even more amazing is that this food will feed over 8,000 people - right here in our community". She went on to tell the kids that if they were to line these boxes end to end it would stretch out a ¼ of a mile. And to give them an idea of how much food was really there, Ms Holstrom told them it was equivalent to the weight of four baby elephants.
Also on hand for the "Big Cheese" presentation was Susan Gumula, PTA President, Alyson Figlioli, PTA VP, Marilyn Higgs, Food Link volunteer since 1992 and former Severna Park Elementary School parent, Julia Shay, Severna Park Elementary School parent and volunteer. Peggy and Dave Perry, Food Link volunteers helped load the boxes into four different cars for delivery.
 (left to right - TOP ROW) Principal Lynn Birus, Alyson Figlioli, Severna Park PTA VP, Marilyn Higgs, Food Link volunteer, Cathy Holstrom, ED of Food Link, Inc. Julia Shay, parent and volunteer, Susan Gumula, PTA President.
(left to right second row) Peggy and Dave Perry, Food Link volunteers
Donations from the community such as the "Big Cheese" are crucial to helping Food Link meet the needs of families in Annapolis and the Anne Arundel area all year long.
Almost 20 years ago, Food Link opened its doors with the mission to lead efforts in alleviating hunger in our community by linking vital resources to families and individuals in need. Food Link has become the last stop when traditional support programs fail or turn them away. Donated goods and services are the core of the program which supports over 75 agencies and charitable organizations in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.
Food Link is a nationally recognized for its ability to help those in need. There is no paperwork, no judgment, no rejections or waiting. Food Link truly provides immediate help for people in need.
The continued success of Food Link is depends solely on the support of individuals, community groups, businesses and civic organization. To make a donation, host a food drive or volunteer please contact Paula Gordon at 410.897.3941 or paulas418@aol.com.
|
