A-Tech Holiday Food Drive
Students at the Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus (A-Tech) are helping those in need this holiday season. A-Tech students collected 1,845 canned food items in just one week. Students also raised $646.80 to purchase food to supplement what was collected.
Students donated non-perishable or canned items as part of a contest between Career Technical programs.
All of the Career Technical programs were divided into groups. Leading the top two groups were: Culinary Arts seniors (“Team Rudolph”, 1,167 cans), and Computer Systems & Networking students (“Team Charlie Brown”, 490 cans).
Students on those teams won long sleeve A-Tech t-shirts.
In addition to collecting cans in class, students donated cash during their lunch periods. The donation contest pitted juniors against seniors. The class that raised the most money does not have to wear school uniforms the first week back to school in January.
The seniors won the competition with $362.79 while juniors finished with $284.01. In addition to the money raised by students, A-Tech staff donated $975. The ACJVSEAL Association donated $150, bringing the grand total to $1671.80.
“I think it is unbelievable what our students are willing to give year after year. They’re really proud to support their community,” said Student Liaison Gilda McQuoid who leads the effort along with Instructional Coordinator Brian Kimmel.
Kimmel added to the excitement by dressing up as a different character each day during lunch including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Frosty the Snowman.
Each year, A-Tech staff identifies 12 families in need. After contacting the families, food and gift certificates for perishable food items are either delivered or picked up at the school.
The school has been helping families each holiday season for more than 25 years. And each year, the A-Tech staff is impressed with the generosity of students.
“It’s a great service project and we have a lot of fun doing it,” said Kimmel.