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High School Students Step Up To Help Out
Count
Counting up each item that was donated during the weeklong class competition to see which class will receive the championship donut party were these leadership class students. VIRGINIA STILL/THE NEWS

 

Riverbank High School took on a challenge earlier this month, one that started on Monday, Nov. 16 and lasted until Friday, Nov. 20 where all second period classes were asked to collect canned goods for those in need this holiday season. Counselor and Leadership Advisor Gina Tonarelli and Lynda Silva, Riverbank Christian Food Sharing Co-Chair, collaborated on this effort so that anyone less fortunate can savor a holiday meal.

“The class who collected the most cans would be getting a donut party the following week so we made it a class competition,” said Tonarelli. “RHS collected over 900 canned goods and non-perishable food items for those in need.

“The Riverbank Christian Food Sharing food bank was able to feed 180 families for Thanksgiving and our collection will help replenish their stock for the upcoming holidays.”

This is Tonarelli’s first year leading the students in the canned food drive and expressed that she was extremely pleased with the effort, as they collected a really good amount this year.

Leadership class students were in good spirits as they counted each item for each second period class that participated and sorted the items that were packed into boxes that were provided by the Riverbank Christian Food Sharing organization. The boxes were picked up from the high school later on Friday afternoon by representatives of the local food sharing group.

There were signs put up around campus to encourage students to donate and the collection effort also sparked a little class competition, as the second period classes tried to outdo each other with contributions in hopes of winning a donut party. Teachers also offered extra credit to students that brought in extra cans.

Riverbank High School English teacher Rosalind Taulbee’s second period class was victorious in securing the win with a collection of 349 items. They will receive a donut party for their efforts.

Second place went to Spanish teacher, Coach Lupe Galindo’s second period class with a collection of 209 items.

Coming in third place was math teacher Yolanda Vera’s second period class that collected 166 cans and non-perishable items.

“I think that they have just been excited to help other people,” added Tonarelli. “Thank you to everyone who donated to help those in need.”