Credit: Abington School District.
As residents navigate the challenges of the current government shutdown, many families in the district who rely on SNAP benefits are feeling the strain.
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Fecher recently provided an update on what Abington schools are doing to provide assistance to those families in need.
The following was posted on Abington's school website:
Dear Abington School District Community,
Here are ways you can contribute during the month of November:
With the current government shutdown and the strain it has put on families, including those in Abington School District who rely on SNAP benefits, I believe there is no time more fitting than now to come together as a community to support our fellow neighbors to the extent that we are able.
This November, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, please consider donating to one of our districtwide food drives to help ensure every member of our community is able to put food on their tables.
Here are ways you can contribute during the month of November:
For ASD families and staff members who wish to bring in donations during the school day:
Abington Middle School - Organized by the Student Council, nonperishable items and canned goods, especially those useful for Thanksgiving meals, will be collected and given directly to AMS families through the District Social Workers. Donations will be accepted November 3-19.
Abington Senior High School - With the help of the school’s Fruit Ninjas, fresh produce that is durable and does not require refrigeration, such as apples, citrus fruits, squash and potatoes, will be collected for the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted November 3-18.
Copper Beech Elementary School - The Copper Beech PTA is organizing a collection of nonperishable items for the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry from November 3-20. They are also specifically requesting applesauce cups, granola bars, oatmeal packets, and more for students to build Full Belly Bags to benefit The Giving Tree.
Highland Elementary School - Organized by the Highland PTO, each grade has been assigned specific nonperishable items that will be bundled as grocery packages and given directly to Highland families. Donations will be accepted November 3-24.
McKinley Elementary School - Organized by the McKinley Ambassadors, canned items and other dry goods will be collected for the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry and the Jenkintown Food Cupboard, beginning November 3.
Overlook Elementary School - Staff have assigned specific nonperishable items to donate based on grade level, which will directly benefit Overlook families. Donations will be collected from November 3-19.
Roslyn Elementary School - Organized by the Student Sunshine Committee, each grade has been assigned specific nonperishable items to donate to the Willow Grove Baptist Food Pantry. Donations will be accepted November 3-25.
Rydal Elementary School - Nonperishable boxed items and canned goods will be collected for the Bread of Heaven Inter-Faith Food Pantry at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Donations will be accepted November 3-21.
Willow Hill Elementary School - Staff and parent/guardian volunteers are collecting Thanksgiving food items, assigned by grade level, for The Breathing Room Foundation, which benefits families undergoing cancer treatment. Grocery gift cards are also being accepted. The drive runs from November 3-19.
For members of the public:
If your assigned polling place is located at any of our school buildings, collection boxes will be available to drop-off donations on Election Day, Nov. 4, to make it convenient when you go to vote.
Collection boxes for nonperishable items will be available in the Abington School District Administration Building lobby for the Family Promise Food Pantry at Salem Baptist Church, the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry, and the Abington Community Fridge at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Paper products, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent and dish soap, and diapers and baby formula are also needed. Donations will be accepted November 3-21.
