by Emily Meyer, sophomore, Morrisville High School

According to recent world hunger statistics, one out of every eight children in the U.S. under the age of 12 goes to bed hungry each night.  In an effort to allay the suffering inherent in such heartbreaking numbers, Morrisville High School recently held its annual food drive in conjunction with Operation Helping Hand, a charitable organization that distributes nonperishable food to needy families in Bucks County.

Led by Student Government Advisor and high school social studies teacher, Mrs. Gloria Bramble, Morrisville High School’s food drive was once again a great success. Each grade was given a specific list of nonperishable food items and donated accordingly. For example, sixth grade students were asked to bring in canned meat, tuna, stew, and rice; seventh grade students brought in soup, rice, macaroni, and cereal. Eighth grade students donated canned meat, tuna, pasta, and sauce, and freshmen brought in powdered milk, canned fruit, and juice. Sophomores gave soup, canned meat, and pasta; juniors donated cereal, peanut butter, and jelly.

The seniors of Morrisville High School brought in canned juice and nonperishable milk products.

Every grade brought in its assigned donations, resulting in a myriad of food donations. The goal of the project was 500 pounds, a ceiling number that was surpassed.

Food items were collected throughout the month of March, and the impressive donations from the students of Morrisville were finally collected on March 28th. There was even more food than expected, as a result of the generous contributions from teachers, administrators, and staff.

Morrisville’s Leadership Academy played a supportive role in collecting items and encouraging student participation. 

When asked about this year’s food drive, Brittany Ramirez, a sophomore at Morrisville High School, said, “I felt very good about donating to the food drive. I know that it will go to someone who really needs it. Small donation or big donation – it doesn’t matter. Every little bit helps and makes a difference.”

Through this undertaking, students learned that the result of giving is the joy and satisfaction derived from providing much needed food to those who are less fortunate. With this knowledge in mind, Morrisville High School’s food drive will continue to be a success in the years to come.

When people work together, great accomplishments can be achieved.