Wow! Thank you so much!
Over 60 cans of food were donated by MDUSD teachers at October's Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) meeting. In addition, a teacher donated $50. All food and monetary donations go directly to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County.
At September's Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) meeting, teacher representatives from every school in the district voted to make monthly donations of non-perishable food items to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County. Often times canned food drives are focused around the holidays. However, hunger happens all year long. By donating food, teachers can have a positive impact on the community.
History
Mrs. Linda Ortega, a teacher at El Monte Elementary and a delegate on the MDEA Executive Board had a transformative experience in July, 2009. While attending the National Representative Assembly for the National Education Association, Linda was inspired by stories of educators who had had monumental positive impacts in their communities. Often times, these educator's contributions started out in small ways, such as volunteering time at a local food bank, or mentoring families. Over the years, those small contributions outside of the classroom translated into big changes that have had a positive affect on thousands of lives.
A teacher has a public, influential position in the community. So how, Linda wondered, could she and other teachers in the Mt. Diablo district use that influence to have the same kind of positive impact as other educators around the country? One way is through donating food and money to a local food bank year round, not just during the holidays.
Future
Every month, teachers are to give donations to the site rep to bring to the MDEA representative assembly (the 1st Monday of every month). This October, teachers donated over 60 cans, and $50. We are shooting for double that amount for the November meeting. Our theme for November is SOUP, however any non-perishable, non-expired food items are welcome!
If there are too many items to transport to the MDEA meeting, call MDEA and we will figure out a way to pick up the items.
Click the link to learn more information on the Food Bank and make a monetary donation.
