The annual school-wide Can Drive kicked off in late October, with members of the Vestry performing motivating skits during Lower School Chapel, Upper School Chapel, and Middle School Chapel explaining why it is important to support our community partners.
Students in all three divisions are encouraged to participate, with donated items being accepted until Tuesday, Nov. 21.
"This year, every grade is being paired with an EA community partner," explained Community Service Coordinator Becky Brinks. "Over the next few weeks, students will be connecting with their respective partner to learn more about what they do, what their specific needs are, and how we can contribute with intention."
In Lower School, PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students will support the Providence Animal Center, 2nd and 3rd grades are partnering with the Chester County Food Bank, and 4th and 5th graders will collect items for the St. James School Welcome Table. All donations can be dropped off in students' homerooms.
In Middle School, 6th grade students are partnering with Memorial COGIC Food Pantry in Haverford, while 7th grade will support St. Barnabas Community Resource Center and 8th grade will partner with Lutheran Settlement House. "All of these organizations are ones that students volunteered at during their fall service day," Mrs. Brinks said. All Middle School donations should be dropped off in students' homerooms.
In Upper School, 9th graders will collect items for Great Valley Food Cupboard, 10th grade will support St. James School Welcome Table, 11th grade students will partner with The Mitzvah Circle, and 12th grade will support ACLAMO. All Upper School contributions should be dropped at the Chapel.
"The Can Drive is an annual EA tradition dating back many decades, and an event that helps our students practice a number of our Stripes," said Father Tim Gavin, Hon. "They practice Respect by considering what our partners need as opposed to what we would like to give. It also allows us the be thoughtful in our Generosity. I love that the Can Drive reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves."
