Posted on 24 December 2012 by La Habra Journal
By Jay Seidel
La Habra Journal
After getting to campus at 4 a.m., more than 1,000 students filled their arms with canned goods, juices and cleaning supplies as they filled their boxes that eventually would be delivered to families in need in the city of La Habra. It was all part of the 27th Annual Food Drive at Sonora High School last Saturday.
Over the last three weeks, students at Sonora collected money for the food drive. They had a collection can in every classroom, the band performed concerts in the community, the students produced a talent show in order to raise money to buy food and essentials for those in need.
“It’s a campus wide event,” explained Colleen Jacobsen, ASB president. “Every one on campus contributes in some way”
Various student organizations contributed n their own way. The Art Club made the stockings, Impact club made gift packages, others provided supplies and students made blankets to give to the families.
“It’s the biggest sense of community that we have at this school,” said Senior David Limon. “It doesn’t matter what you’re involved in, you always donate to the food drive.”
This year, the students raised $30,175 in order to spend on food and goods for the 121 selected families.
Teacher and food drive coordinator Heather Gibson explained that students line up at 4:30 a.m. outside of Albertson’s to go in and purchase food to take back and distribute.
“We had always used the Albertsons on Harbor, but when it closed we panicked,” Gibson explained. “That’s when the Alberstons in La Habra on Whittier Boulevard gladly jumped up,” Gibson explained. “They have been extremely supportive.”
With the food purchased, students then go shopping for their families. They use pre-written shopping lists that are specific to each family based on their various needs.
“I love being a part of it. It’s the greatest feeling,” said Jane Green, ASB vice president. “You can’t imagine the feeling it brings. I really enjoy helping families”
The students then grab the toys, blankets, gift baskets and anything else for their assigned families, box them up and deliver them the same day.
“It’s so worthwhile to give up your Saturday for this,” added Senior Madison Merrill. “It’s something that brings us all together. It’s such a great feeling”
Limon added that delivering the food in person and seeing the smiles on the families really “humanizes out efforts.” Senior Class President Daniel Rodriguez smiled when he thought about the campus’ participation in the food drive. He explained, “we are the CIF champions for food drives.”
