WAIMEA — Parker School students collected nearly 2 tons of canned goods for North Hawaii food banks as part of the school’s annual ‘Ohana Day on Nov. 21.
Held the day before Thanksgiving each year, Parker School’s ‘Ohana Day engages students to give back to their community through volunteer service projects and a schoolwide food drive.
During ‘Ohana Day, student council members delivered collected goods from the schoolwide, monthlong food drive along with a check to food banks at Annunciation Church and Kokua Christian Ministries both located in Waimea.
In the morning of ‘Ohana Day, middle- and upper-school students volunteered at St. James Episcopal Church’s Thrift Store and Anna Ranch. Upon returning to campus, students, families, faculty and staff gathered for a shared meal and friendly chili cook-off competition, plus a short ceremony to announce the food drive totals.
“I’m so proud of the way our students, year after year, exceed our expectations and lead with their hearts,” said Deena Carey, upper-school head. “They truly understand their place in our greater community and remind us with their efforts in our canned food drive how they live the Parker School value of compassion every day.”
Over the last five years, Parker students have collected more than 16 tons of canned goods for North Hawaii food banks.