Full bellies, sharp minds

Hillcrest PTA launches Food for Thought Project

Posted

BROOKINGS – Feeding hungry children is vital to learning, and the Parent Teacher Association at Hillcrest Elementary School in Brookings recently launched a new initiative that provides an opportunity for anyone to join the fight in preventing childhood hunger.

The Food for Thought Project allows donors to pay off school lunch debt for families and cover future shortages that may otherwise prevent Hillcrest students from enjoying a complete and nutritious midday meal at school.

“The current PTA leadership team has been inspired by our selfless Hillcrest ‘lunch lady,’ Dawn Waldner, who has been known to donate her own personal funds when she becomes aware of a child in need,” PTA President Trish Matson Buus explained.

“Dawn is the kind of person who will never let you pay her back, so we brainstormed a way that we could honor her while making funds available when a student comes through the lunch line with no money in their lunch account,” Hillcrest PTA Treasurer Sarah Wyant added. “This is a tangible way for others to help, with support and a tracking system through the PTA, as well as cooperation from the school district.”

After the successful Hillfest fundraising carnival in March, the Hillcrest PTA started the Food for Thought Project with funds to cover 50 lunches, and they invite individuals, families, and businesses to join them by making a donation in any amount.

To get the program off the ground, they set a modest goal to raise a total of $1,000 before this school year ends in May.

“The 30th annual Hillfest event was a great milestone, and we thought it was especially appropriate to create a new legacy which stemmed from what has become a community tradition for three decades,” Matson Buus said. “To be clear, our intent is not to just keep this idea at Hillcrest. We wanted to partner with the school district to create the systems and prove the model so that it can easily be duplicated at the other schools in town, and possibly throughout our region eventually.”

Can your donation really make an impact?

“Absolutely,” Wyant said. “A gift of as little as $10 can pay for nearly four school lunches. Giving $50 will cover over 18 lunches. A donation of $100 can buy more than 37 lunches.”

To donate to Hillcrest’s Food for Thought Project, bring cash or checks (made to Hillcrest PTA, with “Food for Thought Project” in the memo line) to the Hillcrest office during regular school hours. Checks may also be mailed to Hillcrest at 304 15th Ave., Brookings, SD 57006.

Donations to the PTA are tax deductible and may be made in honor of a favorite teacher/staff member or in memory of a loved one, if you wish.

For additional information, call the Hillcrest office at 696-4600.