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Students at First Avenue Elementary School in Mrs. Mansager’s and Mrs. Austin’s first grade classes collected food for the Tri-Community Food Bank for Halloween.
When we think of traditions we usually think of family or the holidays. Halloween is filled with traditions like parents helping children pick out that perfect costume. If you’re from the Tri-Community area, some of these traditions may include the Halloween Parade, Trunk-or-Treat, or even perhaps an early or late diner at La Casita, or Mel’s. What may not come to your mind is the food bank. For a couple of very dedicated first grade teachers this just isn’t the case.
Last year I got to work with Mrs. Mansager, and Mrs. Austin and their amazing group of first graders. With the help of some awesome families surrounding the First Avenue School a new tradition was born. The first grade students from First Avenue Elementary (FAE) went trick-or-treating for canned food for our community food bank. They collected 200 cans of food for our food bank.
I was so very happy this tradition continues. On Oct. 30, 2015, a new group of very excited and enthusiastic children dressed up to help out those in need. It was raining, and a little cold, but the dedication of the teachers, and the students would not be ignored. A call went out to all teachers, and staff, for any available umbrellas, and out they went.
The students collected 240 cans of food on their trick-or-treating adventure, and had a blast doing it. Once the donations were collected, they were all counted. Students got to use their math skills to tally up just how many cans they had.
This small feat may not seem like much, but the Tri-Community Food Bank needs donations all year round, and as Halloween ends and the holiday season begins, donations are needed more than ever. Most children are happy to get dressed up and collect candy, but for another special batch of first graders Halloween took on another meaning, a chance to give back to those in need.
My heart was truly touched this year, when one of the children who was walking with me, took the time, to explain to me that even though she was cold, what they were doing would help someone who might not just be cold, but hungry as well. These small life lessons, taught by these great educators, are not part of the Arizona State curriculum, but as the holidays approach I am sure they are greatly appreciated by those in need.
I want to thank all the families who live around FAE School who took the time to say “Thank you” to the little ones for their community service. “Thank you” to the teachers, aids, and parent volunteers who braved the rain and the wind to help make this a tradition. Most of all I want to say a big “THANK YOU” to all the first grade students at FAE. I really do believe these are the generations who will end world hunger, cure cancer, and find a way to put aside the hate. I am glad this tradition is continuing.
Thank You,
/s/ Annie Martinez
Mammoth
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