By Jenna Racz ‘13
EE Staff Writer
During this holiday season, Trumbull High School is making sure it does its part to give back through two different drives: the Food Drive and the Toy Drive. With these two projects, THS is doing its best to help out the surrounding communities.
One month ago students were able to donate food to the Trumbull Food Pantry. These non-perishable items were donated to those who are in need of food this holiday season. According to Mr. Pijar, who was in charge of the food drive, the donated items were mainly for the use of families during the holidays. However, after Hurricane Sandy, food will also go to people who were affected by the storm.
Fortunately, THS raised four to five times more food than last year. Mr. Pijar commented that there were enough cans to fill his entire office.
The increased donations were thanks to the participation of the P.E. staff, Spanish Honors Society, and the French Club. Physical Education teachers offered students the removal of a zero if they brought in four canned items.
“Some, not all, but some teachers throughout the school offered similar extra credit opportunities,” says Mr. Pijar. One of the reasons students brought in many canned items was thanks to an idea by Ms. Kluspes. On Senior Night, students received one dollar off the regular ticket price if they brought in two non-perishable items. This proved to be a huge success.
Mr. Pijar was especially pleased with the outcome of the food drive. The drive is near and dear to his heart. “I work as an assistant pastor in Bridgeport. I know what it’s like for families in need, and this food will go to a good place.”
Mr. Pijar is looking forward to the upcoming Clothing Drive. Students can look forward to finding more boxes around THS where they can donate warm clothes at each House Office and hallway entrance.
Another way Trumbull High School is helping out their community is through the Salvation Army. The Holiday Toy Drive is here, led by Mr. Broccolo of C House and the Student Council. The Salvation Army is giving THS about 70 “tickets” artfully designed with a little drummer boy.
Under this drummer boy is the name of a child, their age, and what they want for Christmas. These items can be small, such as a Barbie, so one person can handle one ticket. However, sometimes a child may want something larger, such as a bike so a homeroom may want to raise money together.
THS Senior, Mark Ballaro says, “It’s a really good cause and I’m really excited to be a part of it. My homeroom is coming together to give two kids the toys they want for Christmas.”
Mr. Broccolo is excited about the drive. He recently just took over the program this year and wants to encourage students to get involved. He says that teachers normally do individual gifts or pool together money, but he is open for students to give back individually. He is hoping that this year will be as successful as previous drives.
“Trumbull is great about reaching out to the community,” he comments. “They’re always willing to lend a hand to less fortunate people and help out.” If students want to help out they can go to Mr. Broccolo in C House Guidance.
So get involved and give back this holiday season, since THS offers many opportunities and ways to help out.