The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its most recent project last week with a focus on local hunger. EarlyAct volunteer advisor Samantha Miller commented, “We wanted the kids to learn about struggles that happen right here in their own community. We immediately thought about how the food pantry services the town and wanted to help.” Earlier in May, the children constructed food donation boxes, posters and signs. With help from the three elementary schools, the children collected 192 items most requested by food pantry clients. Food Pantry volunteer Heather LaVerdiere spoke to the children 2 weeks later about the various ways the food pantry helps families. “We welcome all kinds of families. Some support many kids and sometimes we have seniors who live alone,” LaVerdiere explained, “We don’t turn them away. Instead, thanks to donations like the ones you (EarlyAct) collected, we can give them what they need when times get tough.” Following the presentation, the students carried all 192 items down to the food pantry located in the Town Hall gym. They delivered the items and were given a tour of the facility. One student commented, “I had no idea this was here. I bet I know a family who could use this help. I definitely will tell them about this place.”
About the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club
The club is designed for students grades 3-5, representing all schools in North Reading. Based on a Rotary International model, the projects and meetings focus on the values of gratitude, community, leadership, commitment, and inclusion. The club meets twice per month to plan and implement a local or international humanitarian project. Initiated just this past March, the group was formed by 4 parent volunteers: Sandy Garniss, Samantha Miller, Karen Buscemi, and Leslie Schultz in partnership with North Reading Rotary Club’s Peter Majane and Director of Youth Services Amy Luckiewicz. For more information on the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club or its sister club at North Reading Middle School, email NRearlyact@yahoo.com or call Amy at 978.357.5281.
