Category Archives: Community Partnerships

May 23 2013

Jenison Students Offer “NuHope” in Partnership with NuWool

Four years ago, ACT students had no idea that their paper peddling would have the potential to change lives and provide warm homes for folks they had never met.

But it was four years ago when Mrs. Karen Weaver’s ACT program moved to Pinewood Elementary School and she was introduced to Blake Watson, a Pinewood Parent who was also a manager at NuWool. Over the course of conversation, the NuWool partnership was born, inviting students to collect unwanted phone books to be donated, shred, and converted into cellulose insulation. Since the project’s inception, ACT donations have also been dedicated for use as insulation in Habitat for Humanity homes.

Jenison Public Schools, ACT, Karen Weaver, NuWool

6th grade ACT students

“Green” since 1949, NuWool is committed to helping homeowners lower their energy bills or work toward LEED certification. They note that insulation made from 100% recycled paper (enter ACT phone books) is manufactured using much less energy than what is needed to make fiberglass insulation — that least ten times less!

These principals of environmental stewardship govern Jenison’s ACT class are are pillars for Karen Weaver personally, making this project a standout for her and her students alike.

“Our main goal at the time was to keep the books out of the landfill and give them a second life as cellulose insulation.  Then, two years ago, we decided to collect and donate the books for insulation for Habitat Homes. The HUGE collections continued, in spite of the books getting smaller…

…We were always particularly proud of this project, since NuWool is a LOCAL green industry–turning trash into product.  It is located in our neighborhood and employs our parents.  All concepts we endorse,” said Mrs. Weaver.

Jenison Public Schools, ACT, Karen Weaver, NuWool

3rd grade ACT students

This year, NuWool marketer Trisha Henderson perked up with an awesome community tie-in idea: why not use JPS-donated books to create acoustical tiles for our new Fine Arts Center?

In partnership with its sister company, Cellulose Material Solutions, LLC, NuWool helped to manufacture innovative cellulose batts from the recycled phone books. Sold under the name ECOCELL (see photo below), these batts have superior thermal and acoustical properties, making them perfect for concert halls.

Because of their unique properties, dozens of cellulose batts (made from our recycled phone books) will be installed in Jenison’s new Performing Arts Center! They will be suspended like sound absorbing “clouds” in the performance hall as well as installed into adjoining office walls.

photo of NuWool, Cellulose Material Solutions, Jenison Public Schools, JPS, Pinewood Elementary School, Jenison Fine Arts Center

[L to R} Jenna Boelkins, Andrew Ferguson, Tom TenBrink, Karen Weaver, Rachael Lyon.

 

“The phone book drive is a true testament of how recovering waste locally can lead to new products made locally, then installed and used locally in a sustainable facility,” said Ms. Henderson.

CMS employee works on the new acoustic "batts" to be installed in Jenison's Fine Arts Center.

CMS employee works on the new acoustic “batts” to be installed in Jenison’s Fine Arts Center.

“Who knew that when our ACT students started recycling phone books years ago that they would some day be used to help insulate our brand new Performing Arts Center! It is exciting to know that the Nu-Wool insulation that is being used throughout our new building is a byproduct of the efforts of our past and present ACT students. What a great story,” commented Tom TenBrink.

Students at Pinewood Elementary collected over 9,000 pounds of phone books this year alone!

We applaud their diligent care of our planet and the way they have ensured that others’ trash … becomes Jenison’s treasure. Bravo!

May 2 2013

Missoula Children’s Theatre Brings Hansel & Gretel to Jenison

While some might balk at the idea of casting, costuming, and producing an entire play in just one week, the Missoula Children’s Theatre has learned to make it look as easy as a Sunday picnic in July.

With Tour Actors and Directors Mr. Preston-Joseph Woods and Ms. Taylor Peters overseeing every aspect of the production, one hundred and nineteen students from kindergarten to 12th grade tried out for the honor of participating in the late April rendition of Hansel & Gretel.

Hansel & Gretel, Missoula Children's Theatre, Preston-Joseph Woods, Taylor Peters

Tour Actor/Director Preston-Joseph Woods (on right) has been with the Missoula Children’s Theatre for one year.

photo of Missoula Children's Theatre, Hansel & Gretel, Jenison Public Theatre

Thank you to Paul DeBoode & Al DeVol for taking this week’s photos!

Four hours of auditions trimmed the pack of student hopefuls to just fifty, and soon practices stretched through the after- school hours and into the evenings. With song, movement, and hand motions to be mastered, “new campers” and “nasties” prepared for their woodland run-in with the candy-house-dwelling witch. (The adaptation of this 1812 Brother’s Grimm tale expands on the traditional story in order to allow for a greater number of students to participate).

photo of Hansel & Gretel, Missoula Children's Theatre, Jenison Public Schools

While one might assume that lack of time would be the most difficult aspect of this kind of production Preston-Joseph shares that it is actually the challenge of learning names, working with, and building relationships with a new group of kids each week.

“Every week you get kids with new personalities, likes, and dislikes, and it’s up to you to make the show enjoyable for them… I really like this aspect of the job because by the end of the week you have made a connection through theatre that lasts a lifetime,” said Preston-Joseph.

“Honestly, kids are quite amazing in what they can do with such a small amount of time, and we are so used to only having a week to get the show together that time is really not in issue for me anymore. I think the biggest challenge of only having a week can sometimes be getting the cast to realize that they can do it!” added Taylor.

Hansel & Gretel, Missoula Children's Theatre, Jenison Public Schools

Jenison is blessed with a robust theatre community that values the arts, and our guests felt that warm reception immediately, making their job all the more enjoyable and meaningful.

“Jenison is a shining example of how theatre is good for kids. It also teaches them so much. Things like ACT and great directors (Todd Avery and Karen Weaver) really help kids realize just how much you can do with creative minds,” said Preston-Joseph.

Taylor adds, “I love the confidence that we are able to help kids find in themselves. We come into a town with no prejudices against any kid, we don’t know their history and we therefore have every confidence in them to be able to do what we ask them to do.

…For the most part, when a kid realizes that you have confidence in them, they get confidence in themselves and realize not only that they can do it, but that they are actually very good at it, and are totally capable of doing incredible things in just one week. And if they’re capable of that, what else are they capable of that they haven’t tried yet?” 

Hansel & Gretel, Missoula Children's Theatre, Jenison Public Schools

“Theatre teaches us to open our eyes and really see who we are as a person and what we have to offer to the world. That is why theatre is important to me and why I think it’s especially important for the young,” explained Preston-Joseph.

We offer our sincere thanks to Preston-Joseph and Taylor for the creative leadership they provided our young actors; we also express our gratitude to Mr. Avery and Mrs. Weaver for the support they offered to the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Working together, they found magical ways to inspire young minds with the arts.

Hansel & Gretel, Missoula Children's Theatre, Jenison Public SchoolsIf you wish to order your own photos of this special night, please visit www.pauldeboode.com and click on “gallery”.

Apr 11 2013

GVSU Partners With Bursley Elementary For Family Science Night

How long would it take you to make a bridge out of straws? And, upon finishing, could your product sustain the weight of a blackboard eraser? Or two?

Those were the questions filling the hallways of Bursley Elementary during their pre-Spring Break Family Science Night. Planned by Grand Valley State University students training to become teachers, each activity found its roots in or was adapted from Science Olympiad events.

Jenison Public Schools, Bursley Elementary, GVSU, teacher education, Science Night

Eliana Nichols, mom to 2nd grader Mackenzie (pictured above), enjoyed the evening and appreciated the learning that her daughter was able to do after school.

“My daughter has been talking about this for two weeks! She loves experiments and watching Myth Busters on TV — she’s a science nut!”

Jenison Public Schools, Bursley Elementary, GVSU, Science Night,

The Sanchez family stayed busy at the Cat-a-Pult station.

Activities included a sink or float experiment, reflection relay, barge building, working with magnets, creating paper rockets, and firing “Cat-a-Pults” as pictured above. The Sanchez family enjoyed launching plastic cats at the Cat-a-Pult firing range. Mother Heather was thrilled to have a night out that incorporated learning.

“It’s great to have something interesting and educational to do. We don’t have a lot of science stuff at home, per se, so nights like this are fantastic.”

Jenison Public Schools, GVSU, Science Night, Bursley Elementary

Nights “like this” began in the mind of GVSU Associate Professor of Physics, Keith Oliver, in an effort to get his education students into real-world teaching situations sooner than they typically would in their program.

“Three years ago we were looking for an opportunity for our students to interact with elementary children before getting to the end of their program. Typically field placements come later on, but this gives our prospective teachers an opportunity early on. So now we plan roughly two Family Science Nights per semester!”

Jenison Public Schools, GVSU, Science Night, Bursley Elementary

Principal Rané Garcia couldn’t have been more pleased with the effort put forth by Grand Valley’s team of students or the turnout of Bursley families who came to participate in the fun.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with future teachers — its a win for the GVSU students, a win for the community, and a win for our students!”

Jenison Public Schools, GVSU, Science Night, Bursley Elementary

How many pennies does it take to sink a tin foil boat?

Jenison Public Schools, GVSU, Science Night, Bursley Elementary

Rachel Eriks and daughter Erin see how far they can blow a paper airplane from a straw launcher.

Mar 28 2013

Junior High Career Showcase Impacts Young Minds and Hungry Bellies

At Jenison Junior High’s Annual Soup Supper and Career Showcase, there was much more than soup being poured out: there was love, too.

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High, Career Showcase

Each year, the junior high hosts a soup supper in conjunction with its Career Showcase, with all proceeds going to support God’s Kitchen. Over the past ten years, the generous support of our community has raised well over $10,000 for the Grand Rapids’ charity, where a hot noontime meal is served each day, no questions asked.

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High, Career Showcase

Eighth grader Veronica Howe manned the payment table in the cafeteria last Thursday night, crediting Teen Leadership teacher Judy Williams for getting the soup together and planning an incredible night for the community:

“We’re all assigned jobs and in about 45 minutes we had everything ready — tables covered and bowls and silverware set. This year we also used a GVSU broadcast to share the details of the night, so we have people coming in from all over, not just Jenison.”

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High, Career Showcase

Art teacher Nate Greenwood stacked bowls from a year’s worth of ceramics classes made especially for this one event, counting the few left for purchase by the time soup service drew to a close:

“In every ceramics class, students know they’ll be making a bowl for the Soup Supper. So even classes that start this spring will create a piece that will be carefully stored away for next March’s event. Even with this planning, we’ve run out of bowls nine of the ten years we’ve done it! And the other year we probably only had three bowls left. It’s a good problem to have.”

Faith Stanton, Macey Faber, and special guest Olivia Cataldo were spotted hard at work in the kitchen. They all agreed that doing something simple, like creating salads, added their own special touch to the night and reminded them that they could help people in the community.

To accompany the meal, guests enjoyed performances by our outstanding junior high band, orchestra, and choir as well.

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High, Career Showcase

Outside of the cafeteria were several displays and presentations including Science Olympiad, Theatre Club, Roman Sculptures, Tessellations, Photography, Art, and Scrapbook Clubs, Atomic Models, and more.

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High, Career Showcase

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High, Career ShowcaseFinally, in different rooms and hallways throughout the building, character education was on display. Students from various 4th hour classes kept a post near each display to collect money that guests used as their “vote” for the best one. 8th grader Cole Bull is seen here (at right) representing the “Integrity” display.

We are so proud of the hard work and time spent planning this wonderful community night! Thank you to all the teachers, staff, and students who went the extra mile to impact young minds and feed hungry bellies at God’s Kitchen this year!

Feb 28 2013

JJHS Leadership Class WOWS Amway with Poverty Challenge

Jenison Junior High School, Jenison Public Schools, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge, Hand 2 Hand, fighting hunger

Photo courtesy of Angela Nelson, Amway.

Few things in this life are more inspiring that young people using their voices to fight for the voiceless. This January, the Jenison Junior High Teen Leadership Class had the amazing opportunity to do just that when they were invited to present their findings on global, national, and local hunger issues to the Amway Community Relations Team of West Michigan. Their hopes? Securing a $3,000 matching grant to benefit Hand 2 Hand Ministries of Hudsonville.

Mrs. Williams, the teacher and “mentor” of the class, says that the core message of their studies always comes back to servant leadership. So when the opportunity presented itself to give back to an organization already partnering with JPS (Hand 2 Hand), Mrs. Williams jumped at the chance to have her kids learn about food insecurity and chronic hunger.

Jenison Junior High, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge

Jonah Smith

Jonah Smith was candid in his remarks, “I never really thought about any world problems until I got into this class. Now I think about things like hunger all the time.”

Jenison Junior High, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge

Nick Nawrocki

Classmate Nick Nawrocki agreed, saying that learning about food banks, bridge cards, WIC, and programs like Feeding America “made things more relevant [to him].”

Working as a team, the class toured Goodwill to get a holistic idea of basic needs in the area. They also learned more about the ministry of Hand 2 Hand, which fills up backpacks of food to discretely send home with undernourished or “food insecure” participating students over each weekend. Teen Leadership students were amazed to learn of the high percentage of Jenison students in need of food assistance.

“Kids our age might know what a food bank is or how to shop at one, which is kind of sad. It seems like they’re losing their childhood — like they’re growing up too soon worrying about where their next meal will come from,” commented Katherine Flessner.

Jenison Junior High, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge

The Teen Leadership Class shares their experience in the Junior High Media Center.

Jenison Junior High, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge

Veronica Howe

Veronica Howe described how, after spending weeks gathering data about hunger problems, the class created a PowerPoint and crafted an oral presentation to be presented at Amway with the hopes that they will match the $3,000 Jenison students have already raised for Hand 2 Hand this year. Upon arriving at the plush offices, all agreed that it felt good to be treated as a professional.

“It was cool at this age to be put in this professional environment. Everything was very big and expensive and when we got to our seats there were even gift bags for us!” Nick said.

“When we went to Amway, not only did they listen to us, but they were willing to give feedback. They were really honest and were willing to give pointers and offer constructive thoughts,” added Tabitha Hill.

Jenison Junior High, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge

Tabitha Hill and Katherine Flessner

“The coolest part of the whole experience was that even if we don’t get the grant, we brought tears to the adults’ eyes because of our passion and what we shared with them. One person even made a personal donation to our cause!” said Faith Stanton.

Jenison Junior High, Teen Leadership Class, Poverty Challenge

Faith Stanton

Mrs. Williams watched this all unfold with a smile that said it all. Her desire to help shape the next generation of concerned, compassionate, and ethical leaders is obvious.

“I was merely a facilitator, coordinator and vehicle for these students to realize that they do and will impact the future.  I rest easily at night knowing that this group of young people will be leading our way some day. I do want to give HUGE amounts of appreciation to Michelle Meulendyk, David Byrne, Tom TenBrink, Brett Cataldo and Kristy Rogalla for their help in coordinating this project and belief in the abilities of 8th graders. Thank you!”

Feb 7 2013

Celebrating Life at the 2013 Pink Out

Amidst the swirling flakes of a winter storm and with threats of a February white out, Jenison community members packed the house for their 5th Annual Pink Out!

Jenison High School, Jenison Pink Out, Jenison Public Schools

Superintendent TomTenBrink formally opened the festivities with words of hope:

“Cancer is a six letter word that evokes denial, disbelief, questioning, and anger. And if you’ve ever received this diagnosis, you know these feelings all too well.

…And even though we’ve lost two very special ladies from our community, Brenda Huyser and Lori Stabile, we’re not here to memorialize them. We’re here to celebrate life. We’re here to honor the taken, to encourage those fighting the battle right now, and to continue fighting for a cure!”

Jenison High School, Jenison Pink Out, Jenison Public Schools

With the help of JHS winter athletes bearing pink and white flags, seven Jenison women were chaperoned into the gymnasium in honor of their battle against that “six letter word.” Accompanied by loved ones, the women shared their stories personally or had them read aloud on their behalf.

“If you had told me a year ago that I’d be standing here talking about breast cancer, I would not have believed you. Last August I had my mammogram; an hour and a half later I received a phone call saying I needed a biopsy, and six days later I had a diagnosis. I had breast cancer,” Mary Visser opened.

“But the miracle of my story is that the encologist caught it at 0.05 cm in diameter — that’s equivalent to a grain of salt! The Jenison community was with me through it all. The meals, cards, prayers, and Patty Diekevers‘ monster cookies were medicine to my soul.”

Jenison High School, Jenison Pink Out, Jenison Public Schools

Mary Visser shares her breast cancer story.

Mary’s message of early detection paired perfectly with the presence of the Betty Ford Mobile Mammogram offering affordable services just outside the high school doors. This theme resounded through the night, underscoring the need for self-examinations, mammograms, and timely doctor’s visits, and early treatment.

The Jenison community has always rallied around its own, giving generously at Thanksgiving and Christmas and beyond. How fortunate that our Pink Out game is no different: we are pleased to announce that over the past five years, over $50,000 has been raised to help support families right here in our zip code who are struggling under the weight of oppressive medical bills.

Jenison High School, Jenison Pink Out, Jenison Public Schools

Courtney DeWent spoke on behalf of her mother Tracy DeWent who was recently diagnosed with the disease. Her words captured the feelings of so many women who have walked this road before her:

“Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and for everything you’ve done for us. People we don’t even know have encouraged us. We’re so lucky to be a part of a community like Jenison!”

Thank you to all who came out in support of the Pink Out! Together, we are Jenison!

Jenison High School, Jenison Pink Out, Jenison Public Schools

The Jenison High School Dance Team performs to Rascal Flatts “I Won’t Let Go” in honor of those with cancer and those who walk the road with them.

Jan 24 2013

Knights Of Columbus Contribute to JPS Special Education

Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Special Education Program, Mary Pollack, Tom Ten Brink

Mr. Michael London presents Special Education Director Mary Pollock with a gift from Knights of Columbus.

Have you ever been greeted by a smiling member of the Knights of Columbus standing outside your grocery store in the weeks leading up to Easter? Garbed in yellow and offering Tootsie Rolls in exchange for your donation, these men are “men of faith and men of action.“

At January’s board meeting, we were honored to welcome Knights of Columbus member Mr. Michael London. Mr. London explained that one of the missions of the Knights is to support outstanding community work that is already being done by local schools and organizations.

In 2012, the group raised over $8,000 in donations, and gave out countless Tootsie Rolls! Of that money, $2,560 was given to Jenison Public Schools to help bolster our already-exemplary special education program. Another $1,600 was sent to help support the Special Olympics and thousands more went to other schools and non-profit groups.

Special Education Director Mary Pollock and Special Education Teacher Katie Tuit were thrilled to receive money that could be used to purchase specialty items normally outside of their budget, such as additional iPads.

“iPads are great for special education students because many of them do better with the option to dictate speech into a machine rather than having to write or type each word. For example, dictation helps them look up words they’re familiar with but may not know how to spell.

…The iPads have also been helpful for daily review on basics such as math facts. Flipping through math review on this device is a motivator for kids who find success with non-traditional learning styles,” said Katie during the meeting.

We wish to sincerely thank the Knights of Columbus for their generosity and commitment to partnering with Jenison Public Schools. You’ve blessed us!

Jenison Public Schools, Knights of Columbus

(L to R) Superintendent Tom TenBrink, JPS Special Education Director Mary Pollock, Special Education Teacher Katie Tuit, and Knights of Columbus Representative Michael London

Dec 20 2012

High School NHS Students Give to the Jenison Community

Jenison High School, NHS, Community GivingJenison High School National Honor Society students know that despite the tinsel and blinking lights, the holidays aren’t jolly for everyone in our community. Because of tough economic conditions and joblessness, many Jenison families are feeling a squeeze that has moved beyond “tight” to “painful.”

To help ease that discomfort and relieve the anxiety that comes from struggling to provide, our NHS students are working to fulfill the Christmas dreams of 288 children in our community.

One of the groups’ advisors, Mrs. Angood, has helped to organize the giving project for years and said recently that 2012 tops past years in terms of applications to receive help.

“This will be our largest year ever. Our community has a lot of needs,” she stated.

Families anticipating a tough Christmas season are invited to apply for consideration based on the family’s income and size.  When accepted, each family is assigned a number to maintain confidentiality. High School shoppers then receive a gender, age, and gift request without a name attached. They budget approximately $20-$25 per recipient, using monies collected during coin drives at school.

Tiffany Ray, a senior at JHS, beamed just thinking of her experience with last year’s Christmas Giving Project.

“It’s incredible to see the reactions of family members who came to pick up gifts. Many were crying, saying that they wouldn’t have been able to provide a single gift without our help. It’s very moving.”

Desiréa Kennedy, also a senior, echoed those sentiments, but added that empathy for parents is a huge motivator for her.

“The most fun part for me is doing the shopping — but at the same time, it’s very emotional. While I’m going up and down those aisles I realize that I’m doing something that these kids’ parents would love to be doing themselves, but can’t. It feels like I’m taking their place in a way, so I take it seriously. It’s a privilege.”

Michael Bessey, another senior, summed it up best with a timely reminder:

“Working on this project reminds me that changing your world begins in small ways — and it begins with each of us individually. The gesture doesn’t have to be grand to change someone’s day — or make their Christmas.”

We are so proud of the work that our National Honor Society is doing under the guidance of Mrs. Lynette Angood and Mr. Steve Versluis! Thank you for reminding us that it is, indeed, better to give than to receive.

May you know this joy yourself this holiday season! On behalf of Jenison Public Schools we wish you warm homes, happy hearts, great peace, and safe keeping.

See you again in the New Year!

Our next blog post will be January 3, 2013.

Dec 6 2012

Coats from Choirs Wraps Up Tonight!

Jenison Public Schools, Coats for Choirs, Holiday 2012Jenison Choirs are seeking to do more than send beautiful notes of Christmas joy into Fairhaven Church at this evening’s concert; they’re striving to gather coats, hats, and mittens for Grand Rapids’ Alpha Women’s Center. 

The Alpha Women’s Center is a community outreach that assists young women in crisis pregnancy situations or those who find themselves as young single mothers unable to adequately provide for their children. The 4,200 clients they serve report that one of their largest needs in the winter is warm clothing and snow gear for their children, and Jenison is honored to help fill that need!

We’re proud to report that since our “Coats from Choirs” project began on November 13, it has already taken in some 410 coats! The November 29 Culver’s benefit night was a tremendous support to our efforts and also brought in countless hats and mittens.

Coats From Choirs, Jenison Public Schools, Jenison Junior High

Photo courtesy of Mr. Waters

Tonight’s concert marks our final collection night and our goal is to far surpass 500 coats donated! We feel privileged to live in a generous community who considers the needs of others, and know that this year’s giving will be another indication of our compassion.

To all who have already given and to those who are planning to join us yet tonight, we thank you!

Jenison Junior High Christmas Choir Concert

8:15 pm

Fairhaven Church

Nov 22 2012

“Your Change Can Change Hunger” Impacts the Community this Thanksgiving

For the past fifteen years, Jenison Public Schools have been partnering with Dégagé Ministries by sponsoring the “Your Change Can Change Hunger” drive in buildings throughout the district.

And for each of those fifteen years, students like the ones pictured above have arrived to school with their pockets stuffed with pennies and quarters; they’ve pulled ziplock bags from their backpacks and cheerfully dumped their nickels into the collection bin.

Those coins impact a lot of lives when you consider that Dégagé’s food pantry is not bound by supermarket prices when helping families. Rather than paying an average of $2 for a pound of food as we might do at our local grocery store, they are able to partner with Feeding America and purchase food for just 16¢ a pound! To add to the savings, Dégagé is able to acquire produce through Feeding America for 6¢ a pound!

After a week of dedicated collections, we are pleased to announce that the students at Bauerwood (featured in our photos), Bursley, Rosewood, and Pinewood Elementary Schools contributed over $5, 415, putting Jenison’s fifteen-year total at $108,000!

Because of  the buying power that Feeding America provides, this year’s donations alone will extend a helping hand to over 100 families!

Jenison Public Schools, Your Change Can Change Hunger, Bauerwood Elementary Schools, Degage Ministries

Even in a difficult economy with so many of our own local families struggling under the weight of mounting bills and joblessness, Jenison families continue to show compassion for those who feel hopeless; they continue to offer up what they can so their neighbors’ burden can be eased.

Project coordinator, Sue Hodson, says she “..feels truly blessed and privileged to be a part of this process. I’m excited to think that these students (who are our future leaders) are learning about and effectively making a difference to change hunger for many in the Heartside neighborhood of GR.”

If you were one of the families who scrounged for dimes in your seat cushions or returned pop cans so that you could contribute to this cause, thank you.

It is indeed a joy to demonstrate love in such a tangible way during the holidays.

What do you most enjoy about giving to others? How are you demonstrating generosity this Thanksgiving?