150 local charter school students collect 305 pounds of food for donation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 1, 2009 --

Gilbert, Arizona, Wednesday, November 25, 2009: San Tan Learning Center, a local Pre-Kindergarten Montessori and Kindergarten through 5th Grade Public Charter School worked hard this month to collect much needed food for Matthew’s Crossing; a local food bank. The school was tremendously successful in that its 150 students collected 305 pounds of food. That’s over 2 pounds of food per student! Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank is a local non-profit, charitable organization which provides assistance, resources and education to meet the diverse needs of people in the East Valley. San Tan Learning Center’s Food Drive will provide some of the much needed food items for Matthew’s Crossing. The food drive was not only timely as we approach the holiday season it also ties-in nicely with the school’s character education initiative. The school emphasizes character development and education in its curriculum throughout the year but focused on Responsibility and Citizenship in its efforts to provide for those less fortunate.

The Food Drive was organized by Montessori Teacher, Natalie Busch who selected Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank because it’s “a smaller organization in which we could make a big difference.” Students of all ages brought in canned foods such as; soup, fruit, vegetables, and other non-perishable items like boxed macaroni and cheese, crackers, granola bars, rice, baby formula and pudding. The school filled 3 large donation boxes to beyond capacity. Teachers and parents helped even the youngest students to place their items into the donation boxes themselves. Many took this “teachable moment” as an opportunity to discuss why donating to those in need is important as responsible citizens. The school plans to tackle a Holiday Toy Drive in December next as part of their ongoing character education. Another food drive is in the works for next Thanksgiving however, where the school hopes to double the amount of food collected this year.