November 18, 2021
The Parma City School District is proud to support our families across our three communities throughout the year.
In the spirit of giving, students and staff rallied together once again to make a difference this holiday season during the annual PEA/PTA Food Drive.
This long-standing tradition was held this year from November 1 – 15, 2021 with all school buildings bringing in donations for the Parma Hunger Center.
Will Olexa, Green Valley Elementary Teacher and PEA Community Relations Chair, said there were thousands of non-perishable food items and household items as well as monetary donations generously given to the cause this year.
“Almost 70 families will receive direct support with each family receiving five to six boxes of food as well as a gift card to Giant Eagle,” he shared. “The remaining donations will be used to stock the shelves at the hunger center for a long time to come, which is so heartwarming.”
The Parma Hunger Center said this is one of the biggest donation drives of the year and will help many families during this holiday season.
“Thank you to all those who supported this gargantuan effort,” Olexa expressed. “PEA, PTA, maintenance, students, teachers, and everyone who gave a helping hand and their valuable time many thanks.”
“An extra special thanks to the crew who unloaded, sorted, and gave their time at the Hunger Center on Friday, November 12 and Monday, November 15. You guys are amazing, and it couldn’t happen without you,” he further added.
Some highlights around the district:
Dentzler Elementary School donated about 1,800 cans totaling 75 boxes.
Green Valley Elementary School collected over 2,000 items.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School had almost 100 boxes and counted 3,397 items. Their Kindergarten class alone collected 880 cans in their huge turnout of support.
First Step Preschool contributed 20 Boxes for the PEA Food Drive.
Renwood Elementary School collected 27 boxes of food and $250 during the food drive.
Greenbriar Middle School had close to 20 boxes of food with generous support from the community.
Hillside Middle School collected 3,746 items during the drive. Homerooms competed for a sweet treat reward for the most items collected. For every 10 cans, they added a feather to their homeroom's turkey. Student Council members were responsible for posters, tallies, transporting food to a central area, and promoting it to their homerooms. The whole school enthusiastically embraced this project!
Valley Forge High School collected 80 boxes of food. athletic teams and various student clubs took turns picking up donations from classrooms at the end of each day. Keith Zupancic's class had the highest contribution for second period with 222 items. A big thanks to custodial staff, cafeteria staff, athletic coaches and teams, club advisors and students, and classes who made the food drive a success. The care and dedication to this community from the Valley Forge students and staff is immeasurable.
Thank you to every school building, student, staff member, and family who made this event a success. Your support makes a difference to our PCSD families in need.
