Through the months of November and December, three clubs at River Dell: the Interact Club, DECA, and Leaders for Tomorrow will be teaming up to organize River Dell’s Food and Item Drive.
Happening every few months, this initiative aims to collect a wide variety of goods and donations to support families and individuals in need, especially during the holiday seasons. Through their combined efforts, the groups hope to make a difference in the community while encouraging school spirit and collaboration among different teams.
The fundraiser will be accepting a variety of donations. Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, rice, pasta, and granola bars will all be accepted, along with other essential toiletries and household products. All of the donations will be distributed to food pantries across Bergen County.
At this food drive, the clubs will also be accepting monetary donations, which will be used to purchase additional supplies. Every dollar raised directly supports the mission of providing aid to community members that are struggling.
Ms. Lenihan, advisor for DECA, highlighted the importance of collaboration among groups to ensure the success of this fundraiser. “We made a flyer together, shopped for food with the donated money, and worked together to collect the items,” she explained, emphasizing how the combined efforts of all three clubs help maximize results while having an efficient system.
DECA members have also set specific goals for this year’s drive. They aim to collect enough donations to assemble three Thanksgiving baskets, which will also be distributed to local families in need. To encourage participation among members, DECA is offering one hour of service for every five items donated and one hour for every five dollars.
In addition to the school’s clubs, Ms. Sagalchik, an experienced advisor who has run this fundraiser for multiple years, notes that RD is also working with the Rotary Clubs of Oradell and Emerson helping to expand reach and impact.
Ultimately, this Food and Item Drive will not only support the community but also strengthen the unity between groups at River Dell, creating a long lasting impact for students, teachers, and families.
