Making A Difference: WES Serves

In Mrs. Hope’s class, they brought in stuffing mix. In Mr. Salmon’s class, it was instant mashed potatoes. Together, the students at Whitemarsh Elementary School collected enough food for dozens of Thanksgiving baskets for needy families in the community through the WES Serves Project.

“I brought in applesauce,” said WES second grader Maddox Wood. “It makes me happy, because we are giving stuff to people in need.”

The food baskets include all of the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner, including a turkey, as well as some soup, canned pasta, brownie mix, and pancakes to help cover some of the other meals during the break.

“I brought in vegetable oil,” said WES third grader Madelyn Oneil. “It makes me feel proud, because I am helping someone have a Thanksgiving dinner.” 

A few baskets were pulled for families experiencing food insecurity from Whitemarsh Elementary School. The rest were delivered to the Colonial Neighborhood Council in Conshohocken through a partnership with the Whitemarsh Township Police Department’s K9 Unit.

“It makes me feel good, because it’s helping others, and if they have a happy life, maybe everyone else could, too,” said WE third grader Saanvi Pitter.

The Whitemarsh Elementary PTO has spearheaded the WES Serves Project for more than 20 years. This year, they expanded the project to include book donations to the classrooms. The teachers kicked off the food collection with a story and discussion about food insecurity, community service, and giving. There are different books for each grade level.