Gonzaga Preparatory School
2022 Thanksgiving Food Drive Info
WHY? Asked the purpose of the Gonzaga Prep Food Drive, most people respond, “to feed the hungry.” Yes, because that fulfills Jesus’ Gospel call to love our neighbor. And, our Mission and the goals of Jesuit education call us to a gain a deeper awareness of the causes of poverty and become committed to justice in social and economic structures.
When? The Drive Con kicks-off on Thursday, November 10, 10:00-11:00am, and culminates with sorting, Mass and delivery on Wednesday, November 23.
Safety!
Collection of Food
Recipients – Period 1 classes will be delivering food to 200+ families and providing bulk food to Native American tribes, Second Harvest Food Bank, Catholic Charities housing and a number of small food pantries. Classes will get the preliminary names, telephone numbers and addresses about one week in advance.
Specific Goals for Food and Money - The Food Drive committee needs $7 from each student to buy the turkeys and pies. There are no specific goals for the food. Historically, Prep has collected about 100,000 pounds of food which averages out to about 120 lbs/student. Below is a list of what food banks typically need and here is a sheet you can print for students to handout at stores or door-to-door:
Protein
Peanut Butter
Canned meat, ham, chicken, tuna
Hearty soups, chili, stews
Macaroni and cheese, boxed dinners
Beans (kidney, pinto, navy, black, refried, etc.)
Fruits and Vegetables
Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned or boxed juices
Boxed mashed potatoes
Dried fruit
Grains
Pasta or Rice
Healthy cereals (low sugar and fat)
Flour, baking mixes
Stuffing mixes
Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat
Any baby food
Our hope is that we have 100% participation in some form by all students, faculty, staff and administrators.
Weigh Your Food We welcome you to weigh your food and report your cumulative total to Liz Slamkoswski.
Turkey/Pie Money – The Food Drive Committee needs $7 from each student to cover the cost of the turkeys and pumpkin pies.
Extra Money – If your 1st period collects more than is needed for the turkeys/pies, you may (a) use the extra to buy food (milk, eggs, produce, etc.) for your families and/or b) turn it in to support Gonzaga Family Haven Partnership.
Participation Form – Period 1 teachers are responsible for securing a parent/guardian signed Participation Form for every student in the class.
Drivers – 1st Period teachers are responsible for arranging drivers to deliver food. (Some anonymous deliveries will be arranged by Mr. Barfield.) We have a volunteer opportunity on the Prep website asking for parent/guardian drivers.
Solicitation Letter – Some businesses and individuals want a letter on Gonzaga Prep letterhead for program authentication or tax purposes which is located on the Prep web page, under Faith & Service, Thanksgiving Food Drive and here.
Sharing If one homeroom does not have enough food, ask another for help. If one homeroom has more than enough food, share or give to the Second Harvest Food Bank truck in the Perry lot..
Go Set the World on Fire!!!