Service Learning students deliver smiles for the holiday

There are many families living in Scottsdale that will not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving this year because they do not have enough money to buy a turkey and all the trimmings. This year more than 270 families will receive a Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of generous donations from local schools, PTOs, students and district teachers.

Service Learning students from Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain and Saguaro high schools, district administrators and board members will be spending Nov. 22, 23 and 24 delivering more than 20,000 can food items and 250 turkeys.

“Our students not only plan the food drive, they partner with teachers to collect the food and then connect to the community by delivering the food to needy families. The students are involved with the project from start to finish,” said John Baird, director of Service Learning and Community Schools.

Can food items were collected at all five of Scottsdale Unified School District’s high schools, Copper Ridge and Mohave middle schools, Navajo Elementary School and at district offices.

The Service Learning Department collects food all year round. This year, Service Learning will donate food to more than 500 families.

Editor’s note: If you are interested in partnering with a Service Learning student during the holiday deliveries, please contact John Baird at 480-484-6102.

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