Foundations Students Make Thanksgiving Meals Possible for Families in Need

In the spirit of gratitude, students at Foundations Academy collected items for Almost Home’s 19th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Box Program, which provides Thanksgiving baskets to families in need in Adams and Weld Counties.

This program is near and dear to Foundations Principal Kay Collins’ heart, as she was on the board at Almost Home for 10 years, including three years as the president. Since she became principal at Foundations in 2018, students have participated in a food drive each November, reflecting her passion for serving the community. ​​​​​​​
 
“My time at Almost Home really made me realize that most of our families in our community are just one paycheck away from possibly being homeless or needing assistance,” said Principal Collins. “During this time of COVID, we see a rise in this dilemma in our families with so many people having lost their jobs that they are struggling to pay bills and provide for the basic needs of food and shelter for their family. Non-profits like Almost Home exist across our country, and I challenge everyone to give out of your own abundance to others in need.”

Principal Collins believes that the Moral Focus virtue of “gratitude” provides her school the opportunity to build compassion for others and challenges students to be grateful for what they have and to give out of their own abundance.  

Though this year has been more challenging than others, there is always something to be grateful for. Participating in the food drive gives students a real-life example of the meaning of gratitude each year.

“Even during uncertain times like the ones we all find ourselves in now, it can be refreshing to take a step back from our own worries and focus on those around us who need help,” said Jeremiah Whalen, dean of lower elementary at Foundations. “Our partnership with Almost Home is intended to bring some normalcy to the lives of those families during the holidays, something that we are all looking for right now. We are grateful to be able to help provide some of the food that will ensure that 350 families can have a great meal.”

There were three ways students could participate in the program, including food donations, a $20 donation to cover the cost of a meal box, or providing a $15 King Soopers gift card, which is included in each box for families to purchase a turkey.

Students were able to donate to the food drive for a full week with the goal of collecting 350 each of the following items: stove-top stuffing, gravy, canned cranberry sauce, canned yams, rice, dry beans, cake mix, and frosting. There were even options for families who participate in virtual learning to drop donations off in bins in front of the school.