By Frank Herr and Kevin Holton-
Penn Manor School District will be putting the ‘giving’ in Thanksgiving this year.
Both the “Do Something” Club and Student Council at the high school have launched a fundraiser that will raise money for local families who find themselves in a tough spot this holiday season. Members of both of these organizations are collecting money that will cover the expenses of turkey dinners for those in need.
They hope the whole school district gets involved to meet the goal.
“We don’t think that it might be successful,” said Jeremy Nesmith, Coordinator of Alternative Education and Student Council Advisor. “We are sure that the staff and student body will be successful.”
After the success of the recent clothing drive, organizers feel the district will pitch in to raise at least enough money for 80 to 100 turkeys.
Students, faculty, administrators and families are encouraged to help reach this goal. Each turkey voucher costs $15 but the club members warn there is much work to be done in order to provide for the community in this manner. These turkeys are being discounted for the fundraiser by Darrenkamp’s Market.
This turkey drive will give a full turkey dinner to district and local families who find themselves in a tight economic spot, to feel that there are folks around willing to lend a helping hand, said the club members.
“A lot of these families feel like they are disconnected from the community, so they will feel appreciated, and that they are a part of something,” said Penn Manor social worker Megan Martin.
A large part of having a functional community is letting the public know that when they need help, there are almost always people to turn to.
Penn Manor isn’t the only school participating in this drive. Both Lampeter-Strasburg and Solanco school districts are taking part in the fundraising process. All proceeds from each district go directly to L-S YMCA. From there, they are dispersed to the families. Penn Manor wants to make sure that every needy family in their district will be provided with a turkey and then hopes to have extra to donate to the rest of the community.
Although turkeys are the primary goal of this drive, the fundraiser is trying to get canned good, too. Elementary schools are collecting canned goods, while the secondary school is responsible for collecting money for turkeys. But everyone is encouraged to give.
“Families will feel as if a burden has been lifted off their shoulders,” predicted Nesmith.
Organizations that have already contributed to this fundraiser are the Penn Manor staff and athletes, Penn Manor Alumni Association, Millersville Women Association, Millerville business Association, Marine Corps. League, and The American Legion.
If anyone is interesting in donating money to the Turkey Drive, please give money to a member of the Student Council or The “Do Something” Club. You can also make checks payable to Penn Manor Family Fund with Turkey written in the memo section and send the checks to the high school.
All donations should be sent to Penn Manor High School c/o Jeremy Nesmith or Deb Meckley at 11 E Cottage Ave. Millersville Pa, 17551. Also, if anyone knows of a family in need of help for the holidays, please have them contact Deb Meckley.
Spread the word and spread the joy, said the club members. Everyone’s support in this fundraiser is very important.