Elden third graders decorate giveaway bags with spring, Easter themes
Fifty-four families took advantage of PEACE Inc.’s food giveaway last Friday in Baldwinsville.
“Many people in our community are trying to stretch their dollar with limited resources. PEACE is trying to help put a little extra food on the table for the holiday and help to reduce the stress associated with trying to feed their family,” said Joanne Wynings, the family advocate at PEACE Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center.
With donations from the Food Bank and generous community members, packages included canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and sauce, potatoes, a frozen meat and other staple items. Packages also boasted Easter and spring designs thanks to the coloring skills of third graders at Elden Elementary School.
Wynings contacted Mrs. Drain’s third grade class at Elden to ask if the students would like to participate in the food giveaway. Drains agreed, as did the other third grade classrooms, and the students undertook the task of decorating the brown grocery bags, which the food would be placed in.
“It was a great idea to get the students involved because they were taught about some of the things PEACE Inc. does for the community and how they too can help other people in need,” Wynings said. “Community service is important for [students] to understand, and as Mrs. Drain stated, ‘It’s part of the curriculum.’ It gives the children a sense of commitment to their community.”
Wynings said the students were very excited about helping others and having their artwork displayed, adding “it feels great to put a smile on someone else’s face.”
The event, which is held annually, was open to anyone in the community. The County West Family Resource Center is located at 93 Syracuse St. in the village of Baldwinsville. For more information about programs, call 638-1051.
Joseph Richmond, 9, a third grader at Elden Elementary loads a bag he decorated with food for families in need. The bag was given away during PEACE Inc.’s food give away last Friday.
