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Cross Creek Elementary pupils give to pantries

THEY JUST KEEP ON GIVING — The fourth-grade student council at Cross Creek Elementary School raised money and non-perishable food items during the school’s “Week of Giving” event held Dec. 16-20. Pupils raised $1,185 and collected 1,010 canned and boxed items that will assist those at area food pantries. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Fourth-grade student council students at Cross Creek Elementary School displayed their giving spirit this Christmas season by collecting food and money to help those in need within their community.

During the week of Dec. 16-20, the Indian Creek school conducted a week of giving to others.

Children had the opportunity to dress up each day in a certain theme. They also donated coins and canned goods as a community service project.

The event was spearheaded by student council members, who reported theme days would take place all week long. Those interested in participating paid toward the monetary collection taken to assist the Wayne Township Food Pantry and the Winersville Good Neighbors Food Pantry, officials announced.

Theme days included a Grinch Day for wearing the color green on Dec. 16; wearing a Christmas hat or hair accessory, Dec. 17; dressing up as a Christmas character from a movie or book, Dec. 18; wearing an ugly holiday sweater, Dec. 19; and wearing their pajamas, Dec. 20.

Guidance Counselor Brittany Shank explained the group conducted a simultaneous canned food drive, along with a penny wars competition in order to better assist those at the food pantries.

Because of their commitment, those at Cross Creek Elementary were able to raise $1,185. They collected 1,010 non-perishable food items to help needy residents stock their shelves.

“We’re happy to help,” Shank said, noting that the program has been held for years, beginning at the former Wayne and Wintersville Elementary schools. Students brought in a wide variety of items, Shank stated.

There was something for everyone, including canned vegetables, soup, pudding cups, canned hams, peanut butter and boxed stuffings. Meanwhile, they gathered pennies each morning and placed them in buckets according to classrooms. However, students had the option of sabotaging one another by adding silver coins to the buckets. Pennies are worth positive points. Silver coins and bills subtracted from the amount. The class with the most points won a prize. Funds were divided, with $350 going to Wayne Township and $835 going to the Good Neighbors pantry.

On the last day of the event, student council members traveled to Bloomingdale to help sort and stock the items. They then visited Wintersville Methodist Church and assisted there.

“The fourth-graders worked like elves to arrange the items in preparation for boxing and distribution that weekend,” officials said. They were treated to hot dogs, pizza and cookies for their good deed. Wintersville Good Neighbors Director Jerry Boyd said the group was blessed to have the school’s assistance because it definitely helps others.

“We have 62 families this year, but there are 150 children, and that’s the most we’ve ever had,” Boyd said. “Every family gets food with a Wal-Mart gift card and toys for the children.”

He noted that Kitty Ferguson oversees the gift project and children receive a variety of items from stuffed animals and toys to winter accessories.

Some of the student council members said they enjoyed the project, noting it was the real reason for the season.

“I was excited to do the penny wars,” Student Council President Trevor Casto said. “We brought it for people in the county that are hungry. The reason I ran for council president was to help people. I like helping.”

“I always like bringing in cans,” said council Secretary Emma Pusateri. “I really like helping people.”

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