For years, the Central High School Food Drive has been a cornerstone of the D127 community, showcasing the power of students, staff, and the broader community coming together to address food insecurity. Organized primarily by the Student Council and supported by athletes, art and culinary classes, and countless volunteers, this initiative goes beyond collecting food—it's about creating a tangible, heartfelt impact.
A Goal with Heart
This year, the food drive set an ambitious goal of providing 55,000 meals for local families. Thanks to the incredible efforts of students, staff, and community members, the drive far exceeded expectations, collecting over 70,000 pounds of food—enough to provide 58,723 meals! Donations will benefit local families in need, with any surplus going to Avon Township's food pantry, ensuring the support reaches as many people as possible.
How the Community Comes Together
Student Involvement: The drive is almost entirely student-led, with participants mapping neighborhoods, distributing collection bags, and personally collecting donations from every home in the area. QR codes on flyers allow for monetary donations, which help purchase fresh produce and Thanksgiving essentials.
A Month of Activities:
"Empty Bowls" Fundraiser: Art students craft handmade bowls, which are sold along with bread and soup made by culinary students who team up with the District’s food service, Quest Food Service, for $10. This tradition combines creativity with community impact, raising additional funds for the drive.
Field Trips and Competitions: Students celebrate their hard work with collection trips filled with music, energy, and camaraderie. Pizza parties and donut rewards keep spirits high as they collect and sort donations.
Staff and Family Support: Teachers and staff ensure every family requesting assistance receives 5-6 boxes of food, including fresh produce delivered on the day of distribution. They even handle anonymous requests, making sure no need goes unmet.
Students weigh and organize donations ahead of the weekend delivery.
The Impact on Students and the Community
More than just numbers, the food drive is a deeply personal experience for everyone involved. Students see firsthand the prevalence of food insecurity and learn the importance of giving back. The sight of families brought to tears with gratitude, or a classmate realizing they are helping peers they may not even know are in need, leaves a lasting impression.
A student council member described the effort as "one of the best things we do in our building," with one teacher remarking how emotional it is to see a 16-year-old moved to tears by the experience. It’s not just about charity—it’s about fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and investment.
Aligned with D127 Values
The food drive reflects D127’s commitment to community service and engagement, inspiring students to take an active role in helping others. It’s a powerful lesson in what it means to be a part of a community, cultivating not only generosity but also a sense of responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As the Central High School Food Drive continues to grow, the sense of purpose and unity it brings to the community remains stronger than ever. With goals achieved and surpassed, students and staff are already gearing up for next year, knowing that their efforts truly make a difference.
The GCHS food drive stands as a testament to the impact of collective action and the heart of a community that cares. We give thanks to our D127 community, who never fails to make a difference!