Rockford schools increase Salvation Army food drive contributions by 20 percent

From press release

The poor economy didn’t damper efforts of Rockford Public Schools to increase contributions to the Salvation Army’s annual holiday food drive. Students and staff this year collected 391 barrels, 66 more than last year.

Brookview Elementary School made the greatest contribution to the 20-percent increase by filling 47 barrels with canned and dry goods during the “Yes We Can!” campaign.

Superintendent Dr. LaVonne M. Sheffield launched the campaign in late October at Lincoln Middle School, which held the distinction as largest contributor in 2008 with 21 barrels. Lincoln made a valiant effort to retain its title, but finished second this year at 34 barrels. Eisenhower Middle School and Rockford Environmental Science Academy tied for third, both with 18 barrels.

Brookview Principal LuAnn Widergren said the food drive is a team effort and a “big deal.” First-grade teacher Sandy Rossela manages the drive every year and organizes a lunch for teachers prior to winter break thanking them for their participation. Art teacher Linda Ewalt works with students to decorate barrels placed in each classroom.

A portion of Brookview’s success this year can be attributed to parent Darin Emmons, whose second-grade daughter, Sage, attends the school. Emmons, who drives a truck for Nabisco, donated more than 2,000 packages of cookies and crackers. “I just wanted to help out however I could,” he said.

Salvation Army Community Relations Director Norma Baker attributed the increase in donations to Dr. Sheffield’s enthusiasm for the food drive and the catchy “Yes We Can!” promotion. “She really helped us increase the numbers,” Baker said. “These additional barrels will feed a lot of people.”

Rockford schools have traditionally participated in the Salvation Army drive, and last year’s contributions—325 barrels—accounted for 75 percent of all food collected.