Schools across Coweta County have helped stock the Coweta Food Pantry with over 195,000 items during this year’s Can-A-Thon, organized by the Newnan Junior Service League.
School system spokesman Dean Jackson said Lee Middle School led the county schools with 31,010 food items or cash contributions collected. It was the sixth year that the eastern Coweta middle school has brought in over 30,000 cans for the Coweta County Can-a-Thon, and puts Lee as the highest donation of all of Coweta’s schools. Principal Bob Heaberlin said the school accomplished this without having any pep rallies, faculty/student basketball games or other special drives.
“I am very proud of our school, parents, staff, students, and community for this generous donation in the spirit of giving,” said Heaberlin. “Twelve homerooms logged over a thousand cans, and that exemplifies the community spirit of the Fami-LEE.”
East Coweta High School brought in 21,387 food items for the Coweta Food Pantry in the Newnan Junior Service League-led drive. Smokey Road middle School brought in 19,011 items, and Newnan High School students raised 16,912 items.
In all, 30 Coweta County schools provided cans, boxes or cash contributions equaling 195,694 food items for families in their community.
Brooks Elementary School brought in 13,253 items. “This year our student council decided to have a grade-level competition to see which grade could bring the most and our fifth graders who collected 3,020 cans in just two weeks,” said Brooks Principal Julie Raschen.
Eastside Elementary school families brought in 3,001 cans (money and cans combined).
“We graphed our daily totals and were amazed to see how competitive the classes were. One of our 5th grade classes, a total of 22 students, donated 502 cans by themselves,” said Principal Leigh Munson.
Northside Elementary school brought in 5,362 donations.
“Our Can-A-Thon fund raiser is based around our “Naked Turkey” theme,” said Counselor Bonnie Fain. ”Each homeroom had a cut-out turkey with no feathers. They are displayed on a wall outside of the cafeteria. Homerooms could add feathers to their turkey by bringing in cans. When the homeroom met its class goal, their turkey gets a crown.”
The 2011 Can-A-Thon Goal Northside set for itself was 3,740 items.
“Our total donations were 5,362 which means we made 143 percent of our goal,” said Fain. “Northside students used math skills, small motor skills and communication skills as a part of it, but most of all they learned it doesn’t matter how small or young you are, you can help someone else. It is all about helping others.”
