Last week, the Garfield Heights City Schools made deliveries to three local food pantries in the community of more than 4,000 canned or non-perishable food items to help the needy this holiday season. The effort, which is now in its 3rd year running, was initiated by lifelong resident, GHCS alumni and current Elmwood Elementary School teacher, Ms. Amy Sumen, who saw the need that some people had, and knew that she could do something to help. The food that was collected by each of the buildings throughout the schools during the first part of November, and was delivered last week specifically to food pantry collection sites at The Rock Community Church, The City of Garfield Heights Food Pantry and the Word of Righteousness just in time for the holiday season.
“I was looking at my class one day several years ago and noticed that there were a few of my families who could use some help,” said Ms. Sumen. “I was also noticing that some of us who live here, had the resources to lend support. I wanted to connect these two groups of people so that it would be neighbors helping their neighbors!”
In total, each of the five buildings and the bus garage employees collected several thousand items for distribution. Students and staff were encouraged to help, and each building had a number of adult leaders to spearhead the efforts. Each food pantry location received in excess of 1,000 items each from the food and resources that is generated. Many staff members and students helped to make this year’s effort so successful.
“Some of the people who played such a large role throughout the district include Superintendent Mr. Olszewski, Amy Tomon at the High School, David Capretta at the Middle School, Jennifer Huncharek and Shari Gallagher at William Foster, Toya Owens-Hodge at Maple Leaf, Stacey Wielgus at Elmwood and Missy Jaworski at the bus garage.” Ms. Sumen continued, “We could not have this large of an effort without the help of these people.”
The Garfield Heights City Schools is definitely helping those in need throughout the community this holiday season, and though many other similar efforts are likely underway, the staff and student-led canned food drive that is now in its third year running throughout the GHCS, is a special way our schools work together to help our neighbors.