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Bears Collect 250,901 Pounds for 300+ Families on D-Day

2024-12-10

Students were in a flurry of activity in Ecumenical Hunger's parking lot last Saturday, December 7th. With thousands of red, yellow, and white bags in hand, they were gearing up for Distribution Day, or D-Day. Through the months of November and December, an astonishing 250,901 pounds of cans and non-perishables were collected. Then, these students came together in East Palo Alto to distribute the packaged goods to over 300 surrounding families.

Months of Careful Organization

This remarkable day was made possible by months of meticulous organization by the Leadership team. As senior advisor and Leadership student Addy McCombs said, "It's one of the greatest events in the Leadership program. It's a wonderful opportunity to see the fruits of our labor in canning, boxing, and sorting."

Early Morning Setup

Leadership students and teachers arrived at Ecumenical Hunger at 6:15 a.m. to set up assembly lines and fill the colorful tote bags with an array of food items. These bags contained bread, milk, pasta, and fresh fruits, providing families with a diverse selection.

Algebra teacher Laurel Simons shared her enthusiasm, stating, "D-Day is one of my favorite days of the year. It's great to see students in a different setting while being able to contribute to the community. Whether it's hauling or packing bags, it always feels like I'm making a difference."

Volunteers at Work

As more students and community members arrived, they began filling the five rows of bags for easy access. The volunteers worked in harmony, assembling the food and getting ready for the long line of families that was already forming.

Junior VT Do was seen organizing bags into their respective rows, showing the efficiency and teamwork among the volunteers.

Distribution Begins

At 8 a.m., the distribution officially started. Students and teachers wheeled carts piled high with boxes of canned food and bags of packaged food to waiting cars. Different groups worked separately to pack goods into bags, reload carts with food and toiletries, or deliver goods. As sophomore Calvin Blanford said, "It's a lot of fun to help out the community and see the joy on people's faces when they receive the food they need."

Community Support

Beyond Menlo-Atherton High School (M-A), people from the surrounding community also lent their support. Woodside sophomore Lincoln Campbell explained, "I do a lot of service through scouts, and this is another chance for me to give back to the community while having fun with my friends." Even the mayors of Menlo Park and Redwood City, Cecilia Taylor and Jeff Gee, showed up to assist in distributing food to families.

Assembly Line Success

By 8:45 a.m., the assembly lines had finished sorting all the food ready for delivery. Senior D-Day Committee co-lead Abbie MacLeod was pleased, stating, "My favorite part of today was our assembly lines. They were extremely organized this year, which allowed us to get the food to the families faster than in the past few years."

Food Distribution Completion

By 11 a.m., all the food had been successfully distributed.

Class Competition Results

In this year's class competition, seniors emerged as the top collectors with 112,139 pounds of food. Juniors followed closely with 63,057 pounds. The M-A Chess Community once again topped the clubs' leaderboard, raising a total of 17,253 pounds. Among sports, the dance team took the lead, raising 18,045 pounds.

Junior and D-Day committee co-lead Auden Jones reflected on the day, saying, "Every year, I wish we could have more food and more options to give out. Realizing that the food we collected over the past month will only last these families for two to three weeks makes us realize how much more we can do. But it's still wonderful that we can come together as a school and make a difference in this way."

The annual Jolly Trolley Food Drive is set to take place this week from Monday to Thursday at various area grocery stores. This significant event aims to make a substantial impact on the local community by collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations. Metro Bus CEO Ryan Daniel and Metro Bus Marketing and Communication Manager Nate Ramacher joined the host to discuss the drive and its importance. Ramacher proudly shared that in 2023, they set remarkable records with 12,726 pounds of food and nearly $4,900 in cash donated. The goal for this year is to surpass those numbers and continue to support those in need.

Why This Event Matters

Ramacher emphasized the significance of the food drive, stating that food shelves' buying power with cash allows them to purchase about 5 times more food than an average person can. This means that every dollar donated can have a tremendous impact on feeding those facing food insecurity. In addition to food, other essential items such as diapers, baby supplies, and paper products will also be accepted. These donations will go directly to area food shelves, helping to meet the diverse needs of the community.Daniel explained that Metro Bus participates in this event every year because they are committed to serving the communities they operate in. This is just one of the many ways they give back and make a positive difference. By coming together during the Jolly Trolley Food Drive, residents and businesses can show their support for those in need and work towards a more sustainable future.

Locations and Timings

Non-perishable food items and cash will be accepted at the following locations from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on each respective day. On Monday, donations can be made at Lunds & Byerlys. Tuesday sees collections at Coborns on Cooper Avenue. Wednesday is at Cash Wise East, and on Thursday, Coborns in Sauk Rapids will be open for donations. These locations have been carefully selected to make it convenient for residents to contribute and help those in their local communities.

The Impact of Donations

The Jolly Trolley Food Drive not only provides immediate relief to those facing food shortages but also has a long-term impact on the community. By increasing the food supply at local food shelves, more families can have access to nutritious meals. This helps to improve the overall well-being of the community and gives hope to those who are struggling. Additionally, the cash donations play a crucial role in enabling food shelves to purchase a larger quantity of food, ensuring that more people can be supported.Each year, the drive serves as a reminder of the power of community collaboration and the importance of giving back. It brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it's through a small cash donation or a bag of non-perishable food, every contribution counts and helps to build a stronger, more resilient community.If you'd like to listen to the conversation between Nate Ramacher and Ryan Daniel, it is available below.Visit New Munich, Minnesota in Pictures

My journey with volunteering at the Family & Intercultural Resource Center was truly remarkable. It opened my eyes to the power of giving and the positive change one can make in a community.

Unlock the Potential of Volunteerism with the Family Center

Volunteering on the First Day

On my inaugural day at the center, a mix of nerves and curiosity filled me. Having no prior volunteering experience, I was unsure of what to anticipate. However, the person in charge was incredibly kind and immediately put me at ease. They asked if it was my first time volunteering there, and when I replied affirmatively, they provided clear instructions on the tasks I could assist with. One of the tasks I took on was packing the fulfilled orders and neatly placing them on the shelves in the front, ensuring they were ready for pick-up. This simple act gave me a sense of purpose and belonging from the very start.

It was a learning experience as well. I discovered the importance of organization and attention to detail in ensuring the smooth operation of the center. The staff members were patient and understanding, guiding me through each step and answering all my questions. Their expertise and enthusiasm inspired me to continue volunteering and make a more significant impact.

The Helpful and Accommodating Environment

The people at the Family & Intercultural Resource Center were truly a source of support and kindness. Whenever I was unsure about the location of an item, they were quick to offer their assistance. Their willingness to help made me feel valued and part of the team. Additionally, they were very accommodating. They made sure I felt welcome from the moment I walked through the door. If I was thirsty, I could grab a drink; if I needed a break, I could take one; and if I wanted to enjoy some snacks, they were readily available.

This inclusive environment had a profound impact on me. I never once felt shut out or excluded. Instead, I was surrounded by positive attitudes and a sense of community. It was amazing to see how everyone worked together to achieve a common goal. Whether it was helping a fellow volunteer carry boxes to the shelves or simply offering a friendly smile, the sense of unity was palpable.

The Value of the Organization

The Family & Intercultural Resource Center holds great value in my eyes. In today's world, many people struggle to keep up with the high cost of living in Summit. This organization plays a crucial role in helping those in need by providing fresh grocery food to local residents who are facing financial difficulties. It gives them a glimmer of hope and a chance to meet their basic needs.

By being a part of this organization, I witnessed firsthand the difference it makes in people's lives. It is not just about providing food; it is about showing compassion and support to those who are going through tough times. The work they do is truly inspiring and makes me proud to be a part of it.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Family & Intercultural Resource Center for a few days. It has left a lasting impression on me and has made me realize the importance of volunteerism in our society. I look forward to continuing to contribute and making a positive difference in the lives of others.