Gratitude in Action: GSB First Graders Donate 721 Cans to Local Families

Gill St. Bernard’s First Graders visited the Chester Mendham Food Pantry on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, to donate 721 cans of food collected during their 22nd annual can drive, “Kids CAN Help.” 

“We introduce the concept of service in the Lower School as gratitude in action,” explained Assistant Director of the Lower School Jill Fedon P ’27. “We begin by highlighting service as our virtue of the month. We read Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brant, a story about a student helping another with food insecurity. Then, we discuss ways to serve each other—whether through time, support, friendship, money, or items.” 

The students actively participated in the entire can drive process. They counted and graphed the cans daily, using addition and multiplication to track progress. They bagged the cans in groups of ten, carried them to the school bus, and delivered them to the pantry. Once there, the students helped unload the cans and organized them in the distribution center. 

“It feels really nice to donate the cans because it’s helping other people,” shared Manny ’36. “I really like helping others.” 

Maddie ’36 added, “It makes me feel good to be here because I like to help other people have food. I like bringing all the cans in and helping other people.” 

“There is no better example of service in action than being directly involved in collecting and delivering the cans,” said Fedon. “The students begin to understand that service isn’t solely about donating money; it’s also about giving time and energy.” 

The visit to the food pantry provides students with a deeper understanding of how it operates and how it differs from a grocery store. The Chester Mendham Food Pantry serves over 60 local families, and the donations play a vital role in helping those facing food insecurity during the winter months. 

This cherished tradition at Gill St. Bernard’s Lower School underscores the importance of community service while seamlessly integrating academic learning and social responsibility. It offers students a tangible way to see the impact of their actions and understand the value of helping others.  

Well done, First Graders!