Benjamin Logan Schools officials received a second surprise from a generous donor Thursday during the school district’s weekly food distribution that is conducted in partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties.
An anonymous donor who provided a $5,000 check for the hunger-fighting initiative the previous week stopped in once again, this time with a check for double that amount for the food pantry, designated specifically toward feeding Benjamin Logan families.
“It was so unbelievable and so generous,” Sally Stolly, curriculum director and gifted coordinator, said in reaction Thursday shortly after the $10,000 donation was received. “So many people are doing what they can during this difficult time to help our community, and this was a big example of that.
“While we respect that this local donor wants to remain anonymous, we want to share our gratitude publicly to honor such a good deed and an amazing kind heart for caring so deeply and giving back to feed people in need during this pandemic.”
Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Tyra Jackson has been working directly with the school to organize weekly deliveries that began March 26. The drive thru style meal pick ups continue from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays at Benjamin Logan Middle School during the school shutdown due to COVID-19.
Stolly said the meal boxes have included many high-quality fresh foods and boxed and canned items, including half gallons of milk, eggs, fresh grapefruit, apples, oranges, pasta and canned spaghetti sauce, rice, beans, canned vegetables, canned salmon, chicken noodle soup, cereal, peanut butter, granola bars, yogurt, cheese and more. Meals have been distributed to as many as 300 families each week, and anyone living in the district is invited to participate.
“We are happy to be helping so many people in need right now, not just our students, but our families and the elderly members of our community who are struggling too,” Stolly said. “It is convenient for people coming through to get enough food for the entire week at one stop, and it also is wonderful to see all of the healthy foods that the participants receive.”
The Benjamin Logan staff and various board members have been available each week to help unload the delivery truck and facilitate distribution through a drive thru process.
“The people who drove through were so appreciative and shared their thanks with the school staff that were helping to load the cars,” Benjamin Logan High School Principal Mark Butler said Thursday.
The next meal pick up is Thursday, April 23, at Benjamin Logan Middle School. Drivers are asked to continue entering through the high school to help with the traffic flow.
If you are in need of assistance because you are not able to make it to Thursday’s pick up, contact Jann McBrien, at (937) 593-9211 ext. 1007 or [email protected].
Some of the administrators also deliver food supplies to families who have no transportation. Other neighbors have been helping those in need by picking up several boxes and delivering them to families in their local communities.