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Press Release: Jenison Students Learn Change Can Go A Long Way

by Sue Hodson

As we all know, a dollar doesn’t go very far in the grocery store these days. But thanks to a partnership between Dégagé Ministries, Jenison Public Schools and Feeding America, students have been learning that even pocket change can be stretched to make a BIG difference.

From November 9-20, hundreds of students in the Jenison Public Schools participated in their 12th Annual “Your Change Can Change Hunger” fund collection drive to benefit the food pantry of Degage Ministries, a community center in one of the poorest areas of our city, the Heartside Neighborhood.

As our country, communities and families face tough economic times, Jenison Public Schools students rallied together to raise a twelve year high total of $9,202.36 to help fight hunger. The funds will provide Degage’s Food Pantry with the resources to purchase over 23 tons of food at the Feeding America W. Michigan Food Bank.  Put another way, this student donation will provide food assistance for about 100 families for an entire year! This is possible because Feeding America allows participating nonprofits to purchase food at the amazing rate of approx. $0.20 per lb.

Student council groups at the High School and Junior High as well as Rosewood, Pinewood, Bauerwood and Bursley elementary schools organized and conducted the “Your Change Can Change Hunger” fund drives within their respective buildings.  They made informational posters and daily announcements about the project and organized special fund raising events. Students raised money in various ways. A few examples include doing extra chores, collecting pop cans, sharing pocket change, snack or lunch money and even sharing from their own piggy banks as they participated in friendly competitions between classes or grade levels.

“Your Change Can Change Hunger” has become a tradition at Jenison and is eagerly welcomed by students and staff.  Since 1998, they have raised over $81,400 to help those in need. Students are learningthat when their contribution is combined with that of their classmates it really adds up --  and provides thousands of pounds of food for those in need.

The lesson learned: A dollar can go a long way these days … even pennies and nickels are helping to change the face of hunger in our community.