December 10, 2008

Better to give

Campbell Christian School collects donations for Second Harvest

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

‘Tis the season for giving but for Campbell Christian School, benevolence is something they practice year round with their monthly food drive for Second Harvest.

“It’s fun to help others,” said CCS students Jake Rittman, Jonathan Steele, Zachary Shah, Caitlyn Giannini, Christina Steele and Hanna Giannini about the monthly food drive for Second Harvest. Photos by Ellen Steele

“Campbell Christian School [CCS] runs a unique drive in that they collect each month,” said Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties Community Relations and Events Coordinator Michelle Wall. “They’ve already collected 1,263 pounds this year, enough to provide 4,078 meals for those in need in the community.”

“We’re impressed by their giving not only for the quantity received from a small school, but more importantly for their dedication to making giving a regular part of school and home life. Families come prepared each month to give not only out of obligation but out of joy,” added Wall.

CCS’ monthly food drive started when parent Helen Steele approached Principal Dr. Shawn Stuart about an outreach to Second Harvest a year and a half ago. The idea fit perfectly with CCS’ core value of “being a light of hope through programs that help the students develop a sense of responsibility for social issues, including the environment and sharing with those who are less fortunate.” And now every month, the 325 students receive a red bag included in their Friday packet to collect food for Second Harvest.

“The families are amazing,” said Dr. Stuart. “They are very generous and the kids do a wonderful job collecting the food.”

For the 2007-2008 school year, CCS’ donations garnered them the Silver Award from Second Harvest for the 3,957 pounds of canned food and dried goods.

“I’m impressed the way students and families have embraced the drive to help the community,” said Steele, whose third grader, Jonathan, and kindergartner, Christina, participate monthly. “It helps the kids become aware that it is not all about them and that they can help.”

But perhaps the best indicator of the adage that it is better to give than to receive comes from the children themselves.

“I like to give food to people who can’t afford it,” said CCS third grader, Ashley Birdsall. “It makes me feel really good to help.”

“It’s sad that some people don’t have enough to eat,” said Jaret Falkowski. “That’s why we donate the food. The bible says to treat people the way you want to be treated.”