Ike Fundraising
The USDA ERS states, “In 2020, 6.7 percent of all U.S. households reported using a food pantry, an increase from 4.4 percent in 2019.” This is data from the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement, which is essential because it shows how families run out of food. With Winter near, those families will need more food. So, Eisenhower is beginning a food drive to help families. There has been some controversy behind food drives, though. Some of the discussions mainly include families who rely too heavily on food banks and may suffer from nutritional deficiencies due to families being served processed rather than fresh food. Ms. Skiles said, “It is important to bring healthy pre-packaged food.” She also says to bring canned or jarred food that is non-perishable. Also, think about ways to provide an entire meal, like a can of corn is not as impactful as items that can provide a complete meal. This food will be delivered to Operation Harvest, a local operation within Yakima county, which means we’re feeding our community. And the class with the most canned food items will earn spirit points.
Leadership has been working hard to set up the food drive. Lots of work has been poured into this project. As Ms. Skiles, who is in charge of the leadership room, said, “The leadership room is looking forward to maximizing the amount of food they bring in. Hoping to bring in more than they ever have before”.
The Apple Cup and the Triumph Backpack Fundraisers here at Ike are fundraisers to supply the homeless with backpacks and hygiene supplies. In addition, items such as hand warmers, emergency blankets, and toothpaste have been brought. These items will be delivered to Triumph, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to respond to mental health, homelessness, substance use, and poverty in our communities. Triumph will be distributing these supplies to the homeless. I talked to Mrs. Acosta-Driscoll, a counselor here at Eisenhower, and she said the fundraiser was very successful for being able to pull it off in only three days. The Cougar Jar raised over $145, and the Husky Jar raised over $310, which totals $456. The Husky Jar won! The aftermath of the Husky win was shown with Diener wearing Husky gear around the school.