By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Students at Union City Elementary School really outdid themselves this time.
Truly.
Continuing an annual pre-holiday tradition of community service, students at UCES donated more than 13,000 cans and non-perishable food items to a pair of charitable organizations that will feed and assist those in need during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
The Elementary School figure eclipsed last year’s donation by more than 4,500, and, coupled with another 1,300 donated by UC High School students, provided over 14,500 items that were split evenly between Chimes for Charity and the Community Feeding of the 5,000.
“It’s just another example of how our students and staff continue to make us proud,” Union City Director of Schools Wes Kennedy said. “Their true spirit of giving and kindness is evident in this project.
“Walking around the halls and seeing all the stacked items that have been given lets me know they have servant’s hearts and compassion for others in need.”
“I’m so proud and humbled to be a part of this school system with so many good people.”
UC Elementary School students produced their record donations by employing the annual Turkey Trot and PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) Run as part of the process. They collected food items based on how many laps they ran or walked in the gymnasium during PE classes.
Their final total (13,299) far exceeded the previous high-water mark (9,266) from two years ago.
Natalie Allison’s first-grade class produced the most items of any grade and earned a class medallion and other special perks after contributing more than 2,000 entries.
Medals were presented to those students who accounted for the most items in each grade, and overall winners received a trophy.
They’ll be featured in photos on Tuesday.
The Key Club and Art Club spearheaded the drive at UC High School.