Students at the Sierra School of San Diego regularly learn about the importance of being part of a community and giving back, and they recently participated in a canned food drive. Students came together to donate over 400 items to the San Diego Food Bank, providing 85 meals to local families in need this holiday season.

The San Diego Food Bank delivered 10 large red donation barrels, each capable of holding up to 200 pounds total of nonperishable food, allowing each classroom to have its own container for food collection.

Adding a little extra motivation to food drive, the donation collection process, there was a prize on the line for the classroom that collected the most cans. Ms. Jordan’s winning class collected a whopping 91 items. Students also had fun with a barrel decorating contest that helped promote healthy living and giving to the community. The winning barrel from Ms. Philip’s class was adorned with colorful cutouts of fruits and vegetables and read “Sierra School Stays Healthy and Strong.”

Staff members said it’s critical the school community band together to help those in need. “It is important to help the community to teach our kids to be good people,” said Dr. Schwier, occupational therapist. “If we want them to be contributing members of society, we need to lead by example.” Ms. Phillips shared a similar sentiment: “It is important because the more we help those around us the better our community will be as a whole.”

Staff members said it’s critical the school community band together to help those in need. “It is important to help the community to teach our kids to be good people,” said Dr. Schwier, occupational therapist. “If we want them to be contributing members of society, we need to lead by example.” Ms. Phillips shared a similar sentiment: “It is important because the more we help those around us the better our community will be as a whole.”

Some Sierra School of San Diego students expressed their thoughts on the food drive and helping those in need:

• “So the community can help you back and it’s the right thing to do.” – Saul
• “Because otherwise, the community won’t be beautiful anymore .” – Alex
• “So people can have food so that they’re not hungry.” – Reese
• “It is important because we can keep the community safe and clean.” – Anna
• “So poor people can have food.” – Kaise
• “To help people that are in need.” – Gigi

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank expressed their gratitude for the donation from the Sierra School of San Diego: “Thank you very much for supporting the Food Bank’s vital mission in the community with a food drive at School of San Diego. We are so grateful for the donations.”