The Black Student Union’s (BSU) annual Thanksgiving Food Drive displayed the school’s sense of community and togetherness as they gave back to those in need Nov. 6-16.
“The food drive was started a few years back by the Black Student Union,” executive director David Hussey said. “It’s a chance for our community to come together and give food to those in need.”
Students were given the opportunity to bring certain foods to the school to be collected and given to the Canoga Park Family Rescue Center, who then spread it amongst families in need.
“In the past years, [Canoga Park Family Rescue Center] has always gotten back to us,” Hussey said. “They always tell us that we fed hundreds of families.”
Altogether, the school was able to collect many cans, impressively filling the S-3 classroom’s floor with hundreds of bags.
“Learning how our donations affect those in need gave me joy,” junior Aarna Uppal said. “I’m really glad that students and teachers are able to participate in such a kind-hearted event that allows us to help the people in our community.”
With the chance to give back to the community, several teachers view the event as the ideal opportunity to offer extra credit for students’ acts of goodwill.
“Many of my teachers offered extra credit for the event, and I think that was an ideal motivating factor for students,” Uppal said. “I know several of my friends and I were also glad to participate for the greater good.”
Projects like these help to combat the food insecurity crisis in the nation, a fitting goal during the holiday of gratitude.
“I think it shows a sense of pride in the school,” Hussey said. “It’s also an [opportunity] to give to those who are not as fortunate as many of us are at El Camino.”
The Canoga Park Family Rescue Center is not only open during the holiday season, but all year, allowing anyone who wants to help people out around the year do so regardless of when.
“I don’t think it’s something that should just be done during the holiday season, but something we can do year round,” Hussey said.
