Olmsted Falls High School’s student council completes another successful food drive

OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio — Olmsted Falls High School’s annual student council food drive exceeded expectations this holiday season collecting more than 5,330 cans that will help the underprivileged in the community.

“Each year our student council sponsors a food drive around the holidays,” said Olmsted Falls High School health electives teacher Brigid Radigan, who is not only the student council advisor but also the girls varsity volleyball coach.

“Usually our goal is around 5,000 cans, which was our school record a few years ago. Anytime we can get more, we’re pretty thrilled.”

The Olmsted Falls High School effort includes teachers offering kids incentives — from free cookies and breakfast to pizza parties and homework passes — to donate canned food items.

“There’s no better feeling than walking into our school library and seeing just like table after table full of cans to donate,” Olmsted Falls High School senior and Student Council President Sara Glover said. “It really feels special as a whole school.”

Olmsted Falls High School senior and Student Council Vice President Jackie Huston added, “I hope people see our school is really committed to the community by donating to the underprivileged. I hope they see what we do for everyone.”

The food was donated to Olmsted Falls Christians in Action, which will help community members in need.

“The Olmsted Falls High School food drive has been our biggest food drive year in and year out for many years,” Olmsted Falls Christians in Action Treasurer Bill Ruffing said. “This puts food on our shelves for several months. We’re very grateful.”

Located in the city hall basement (26100 Bagley Road), the Christians in Action food pantry, which boasts a grocery store set-up, is open from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Participants must meet residency and income standards to qualify for assistance.

“Our food drive was a huge success solely based on the efforts of our student leaders in student council and their classmates raising to their call to do good,” Olmsted Falls High School Principal Leo Spagnola said.

“To be kind, be safe, be respectful and be responsible are not just PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program) words. Our kids bring them to life.”

Ruffing added, “The students organize this drive themselves with limited supervision. We’re thrilled and impressed with these students and their engagement in their community. Our future is bright and hopeful because of these students.”

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