On March 14, the Lower School community joined together with Rise Against Hunger to package an astounding 10,000 meals in just over two hours and help put an end to hunger.
The annual service opportunity began with an inspiring Lower School Chapel service, where Head Chaplain Tim Gavin, Hon. showed a video detailing the various steps of packing the meals and talked to students about their important role in making a difference in our community. "Today is a special day," Fr. Gavin said. "We will pack 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, and what I love about this annual project is that it involves students—both Lower School students and Upper School students who generously helped to unload the supplies this morning—as well as parents and teachers. This collaboration reflects our school values, the Stripes, and the opportunity to work together brings me a lot of joy."
The entire Lower School community participated in this meaningful project, with 5th grade homerooms leading each grade level in a 25-minute time slot in the Tierney Dining Hall. The mantra 'many hands make light work' was quickly put to action as students—wearing red hair nets, disposable gloves, and smiles—worked efficiently to scoop rice, dehydrated vegetables, soy, and vitamin packets into the bags, weigh and seal the bags, and box the packaged meals.
"These meals will go somewhere in the world to feed people who may not have easy access to food," Fr. Tim reflected. "As a school, as students and teachers and parents, we do this great act of generosity because we have faith and gratitude that our good works reflect our belief in practicing all of the Stripes."
The swift pace at which the students packaged the meals was incredible to watch, and enthusiasm never waned—especially after hearing the gong, which excitedly brought about cheers and signaled that another 1,000 meals had been packaged. Thank you to the many parent volunteers who gave their time to help make this service project a reality!