In the heart of Chapel Hill, Sheryl Kirkey, a dedicated 4th-grade teacher at Glenwood Elementary, was seeking opportunities to instill values of kindness and generosity in her students. She originally began seeking volunteer opportunities for her class to participate in at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Due to the age of her students, they were unable to directly volunteer at our location, however Sheryl and her students found an alternative way to make an impact by organizing a school food drive in support of the Food Shuttle.
The students set a goal of collecting 1,000 cans within a two-week period. This goal was surpassed with flying colors. Just one week into their food drive, the students had collected an astonishing 2,242 items to support those in need. When the drive ended on Friday, January 29th, the students counted 3,890 total food items, three times their original goal, though the impact of this act of service resonates far beyond the final count.
Glenwood Elementary is a prime example of how a community, regardless of age, can come together to make a difference. Beyond the impressive number of collected items, the food drive has ignited a sense of purpose and social responsibility among the students.
"I feel more connected to our community, because we donated over three thousand cans which is triple our goal, and helped so many people who are food insecure, and my classroom and I made a big difference in the community,” said one of Ms. Kirkey’s students.
Another student stated, “I will remember this when I am an adult."
Sheryl Kirkey's efforts to involve her students in community service not only met the challenge but is helping teach these young minds the importance of empathy, kindness, and helping our neighbors in their time of need.
Let us be reminded that even the smallest acts of service can make an impact on our communities. As Ms. Kirkey told us, “This experience will not be forgotten, and it is my hope that the students will continue to search out ways that they can help in the community.”
We are grateful to Glenwood Elementary for partnering with us in the fight against hunger.