Local food pantries will be able to continue serving needy families this holiday season thanks to the generosity of Garland ISD students and staff. They donated 127,203 items during the Garland Christmas Association’s 2015 canned food drive. For more than 20 years, the district has participated in this annual event, providing 2,650,623 food items.
To promote participation, GISD stages a friendly competition between its campuses. The contest divides schools into grade levels–elementary, middle and high school–resulting in one winner from each group.
Winning campuses are chosen based on the number of items donated per student enrolled. This year, Hickman Elementary School claimed top honors with 27 items per student. Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School ruled its grade level with 7.9. And, Alternative Education Center boasted an impressive 20.2.
Other honorable mention efforts included Bradfield Elementary School’s 18.7 items per student, Freeman Elementary School’s 10.9 and Memorial Pathway Academy’s 3.4. The donations will benefit Salvation Army, Good Samaritans, Joseph’s House and Operation Rowlett Reindeer.
AEC, Brandenburg and Hickman were also recognized at the Dec. 8 board meeting.
“This is a great honor for our campus,” said Principal Disa McEwen. “I have great students, staff and support. They always want to give more. We’re happy to be able to donate to such a worthy cause.”
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.