A Little Extra in the Cupboard: Peer Leadership Adds a Pantry to Help
by Madison Werner, Health Assistant Class of 2024 (Neshannock)
Photo Credits ~ Aailyah Mathis, Computer & Office Technology Class of 2024 (New Castle)
The LCCTC Weekend Food Pantry is one of the best ways for the our community to connect. Each week, bags are prepared for the kids and their families with the hopes of providing a little extra help to see a little extra something in the cupboard in the morning or on the weekends.
Inside these bags is an assortment of different foods and drinks such as fruit cups, milk, cereal, juice, crackers, raisins, and more, all which were kindly donated by New Life Bread Basket on East Washington Street.
Toward the end of the week, Peer Leaders gather to sort and compile these bags so that on Fridays after the final bell students can grab a bag as they exit the school at the top hallway and out the front doors. Even students who drive to school can pick up a bag as they leave to go to the student parking lot.
In addition to the food pantry, there are other support systems in place to help the many families who have been greatly impacted by the past few trying years, and we want you to know about them!
Maybe LCCTC students are in need of any clothing or personal hygiene products? The LCCTC community is here and glad to help. Ask any teacher, Peer Leader, or staff member for access to the SkillsUSA Clothes Closet (located at the side of the cafeteria) and you should be able to find what you need. And, thanks to the generosity of so many in our community, the Peer Leadership Linen Closet (in Mrs. Pasterik’s room 122). Is here to help students feel clean and fresh with several different personal hygiene products. No one should ever be afraid or embarrassed to ask.
As a Peer Leader, I feel so blessed to be able to help with this campaign that helps so many of my peers; this sentiment is felt by every Peer Leader and SkillsUSA member. Many of us understand how hard things can be, and we truly want to lend a hand. Knowing that we have already been able to lift others’ spirits - even just the teensiest bit - warms our hearts; it’s all the thanks we need.
Additional Peer Leaders who helped to bag on this day food from the pantry include
The Food Pantry, the Clothes Closet, and the Linen Closet are just three reasons why we are rising, LCCTC!
If you would like to bless the students of LCCTC with a donation of non-perishable food; of clean, kid-friendly clothing or workwear; or of personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, etc), please contact our front office (724) 658-3583 for more details and you will be connected with the advisor in charge of that campaign. In advance, thank you!
Peer Leaders who were able to participate in this first event of the year include seniors Clarysa Grimes (HA, EC), Katie Tillia (CA, EC), Lane Madras (CA, SHS), Tia Bowser (Wel, NC), Tristan Queener (CA, NC), William Haeberle (EO, NC), Fawlen Lykins (RT, NC), & Brady Zook (Wel, NC). Junior members include Aailyah Mathis (COT, NC), Andrew Mort (EO, NC), Dan Mayer-Tedrow (Wel, EC), Joy Hudspath (HA, EC), Kirk Derrow (AT, MHS), Lexy Clingensmith (RT, UHS), and Madison Werner (HA, NHS).
Maddy Werner, Health Assistant junior, is a proud 2nd-year member of Peer Leadership. “Because I wanted to make a difference in others’ lives,” she shares,” I joined Peer Leadership, and personally, my membership in this organization means so much to me. Simply being able to help bring our LCCTC community together is a huge honor and blessing in my life.”