Fort Cherry lends a helping hand to families
Forty-three percent of Fort Cherry School District students qualify for the free- or reduced-lunch program, based on the income of their parents or guardians.
That’s about 440 students whose families may need food assistance.
Starting this year, the district will implement the Fort Cherry Helping Hands program, providing qualifying students with a supply of food throughout the school year.
“Boxes of food can be taken home once a month, including canned goods and anything that can be stored in a pantry,” said Dr. Trisha Craig, junior high school principal. “We’ve done other programs in the past, but we needed to tweak it to meet needs.”
A canned food drive was held in December. Subsequent monthly food collections will focus on a specific type of food and any funds collected will be used to purchase additional supplies.
Families who qualify were given a survey to pinpoint their needs. Instead of sending food home with students, families will collect the food during or after school hours.
Range Resources donated $10,000 as seed money for the program. The company also plans to assist the district with a new 5K race and fun run that is planned for spring as a Helping Hands fundraiser.
Greater Washington County Food Bank has been a resource and assisting in designing the program. Local churches also will participate.
Observer-Reporter
Fort Cherry Elementary School
The donated food is stored at the elementary center, where student volunteers organize supplies.
The first pickup is scheduled for the last week of January. Teachers and administrators will distribute the food to families during the school day and after school hours.
“In order for students to be successful in school, they first have to feel safe and be healthy. Our families work hard to support their families, but many times some of them need assistance,” said Craig. “At the school district, we place the safety and wellness of our families as a priority. We will do whatever we can to assist them at school and in the home, as it is appropriate for the family. Providing additional food, clothing and other living necessities for our kids and their families is one way we can be there for them when times are tough.”
The district encompasses 58 square miles, which include the municipalities of McDonald, Midway and Hickory and the townships of Robinson and Mount Pleasant.