Neighbors Helping Neighbors: SGS Food Drive Nets Contribution For Food Bank

Silvia Hanech-Strzeminski, left and Shannon Sorbino, right, SGS teachers, with Nancy LaCorte from the food bank. All photos: Franklin Township School District.

Submitted by Mary Clark.

Neighbors helping Neighbors is a motto of the Franklin Township Food Bank and on Nov. 25, the students of Sampson G. Smith School were able to show just what good neighbors they are – 1,206 pounds worth!

The students of grades 5 and 6 collected non-perishable food items and toiletries during the month of November as part of this year’s food drive. This year the drive was tied into the Positive Behavior Support Program there. In the Positive Behavior Support Program students are rewarded for following the school rules, being good citizens and showing other positive behaviors. This reward takes the form of a ticket, given to a student by teachers and other staff members during the day. The students save these tickets and later spend them on prizes. One of the prizes this year was to be part of the poster making team which advertised the food drive around the school.

These posters encouraged all students in the school to participate. Flyers were also sent home to families as well and each homeroom and classroom cluster kept track of their items. The supplies were then gathered on a table and in bins in Sampson G. Smith’s lobby.

Students from the poster making team were chosen to help deliver the food – that is help to load the van from the Franklin Township Food Bank. A representative of the Food Bank thanked the students for all of their help and explained what happens to the food when it goes back to the food bank. It becomes part of consistent monthly packages that are given to Franklin families in need. Right now is a particularly busy time for the food bank.

The Food Bank was also given a donation of $20 from one of the SGS teachers. Vice Principal Nicholas Solomon and SGS Positive Behavior Support Program Team members, teachers Silvia Hanech-Strzeminski and Shannon Sorbino were on hand while the students loaded the van.

Other Franklin Township public schools, such as Franklin Park School, MacAfee Road School and Franklin High School have also donated to the Franklin Township Food Bank this season.

Next up for the good neighbors at SGS – a toy drive to begin after the Thanksgiving break.

2015 SGS Students Collect Food

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