Parkway Elementary School selected the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia as the recipient of their school wide community service project for 2015. Working in collaboration with the Cheesecake Factory, a Partner in Education, PTA and school staff, $885 was raised to donate to the Foodbank to assist families in the Hampton Roads area.
Parkway’s Family Engagement Coordinator Karen Clevinger helped to organize the project and couldn’t be more proud of the efforts of those who worked together to support such a meaningful cause.
“We held a silent auction for the first time in Parkway’s history and it was a huge hit with our families. Teachers and staff created beautiful themed baskets that were not only fun but had educational value as well,” says Clevinger.
For example, the literacy team and math specialists created the Cookies and Bookies basket. This basket included everything needed to have a great family time in the kitchen while students were practicing their measuring skills, following directions and showing off their reading abilities.
Parkway couldn’t wait to present the donation to Scott Richards, Product Sourcing Manager at the Foodbank.
“Every dollar collected enables us to provide three meals for those in need,” Richards said. “It’s special to see everyone pitching in to help the community. None of us knows when it could be one of us or our kids that might need some assistance one day.”
Partners in Education, Chick-fil-A and the Virginia Beach Schools Federal Credit Union, as well as other local businesses also made contributions to the silent auction to help make the event a great success.
With Partners and Volunteers in Education serving as role models, schools are able to provide opportunities for students to see the value of giving back to our community through service projects.