OLC-ELC students hold food drive

Our Lady of Consolation Early Learning Center (OLC-ELC) staff members believe it is never too early for youngsters to learn the important message of helping those who are in need.

That is why each year the preschool holds a food drive for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC) at Dutch-Way Farm Market in Gap. This year's event was a breakfast food collection held on March 4.

Children, their parents and other family members manned the food donation booth in the store lobby from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, with each group putting in a one-hour shift. "We do this every year as our community service (project). We try to be very family-oriented and include the families as well," said Shelly Carr, OLC-ELC assistant director and preschool teacher.

During the food drive, shoppers were given a bright orange note reminding them to purchase breakfast items, including cereal and pancake mix, as they entered the store, and they were invited to drop off their donations as they exited. The students also collected cash donations.

Carr noted that prior to the food drive, students were given a lesson about people in need. They also created a sign to attract donations that stated, "You have two hands ... one to help yourself and the second to help others."

"They know that people are hungry. The whole idea is giving back to the community and doing for others," Carr said.

The OAFC had a trailer stationed outside the grocery store so that the students and their parents could fill it with donations. "They provided a banner, a collection container (for people who wanted to donate money) and a trailer to collect the food. We provided the manpower," said Carr.

Although OAFC is still tallying the amount of food and money collected, Carr said that the collection drive was a success. "People respond really well to the kids, and they want to help," she added.

The OAFC is currently in need of other groups willing to conduct food drives. For more information, call 610-857-4000 or visit http://www.facebook.com/OctoraraAreaFoodCupboard or http://www.octfood.com.

OLC-ELC, which opened in 2002, is located in the lower level of the Schneider Parish Center, 2995 Cemetery Road, Parkesburg. It offers preschool programs for children ages 2 through 5, as well as a variety of extended-day options for enrolled children, including before- and after-school care.

For more information about the school, contact Janice Dagney, OLC-ELC director, at 610-857-0511 or jdagney@olcchurch.org or visit http://www.facebook.com/olcelcpreschool.