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Students Dish Out Help For Their Peers

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By SUZANNE SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: November 19, 2008

Students, parents and district officials made a stop at New River Elementary School's Helping Hands Cafe last week to enjoy homemade soup, camaraderie and a sense of community.

Students, however, walked away with more than full bellies. They also learned a lesson about reaching out to assist their peers in need.

The luncheon was a first-ever event at the school, designed to raise money for New River's ABC (Assist, Believe, Care) Fund. The Wesley Chapel school's ABC fund helps less fortunate students with supplies, Thanksgiving dinners and presents over the holidays. The luncheon raised about $320 for the fund.

Principal Lynn Pabst said the cafe was the first big event for the fund. Last year, donations were collected from faculty and staff.

"Through the fund, we were able to help some families over the holidays last year," said Pabst. "We are trying to give help wherever it is needed because we know it is a time when people will need it."

Faculty and staff volunteered to help with the cafe by providing homemade desserts. Pabst prepared a variety of homemade soups. Student council members served the meal to diners who paid $5 for the meal or $10 for the meal and a handmade bowl.

"We had the kids in second through fifth grade make bowls in their art classes," Pabst said. "They were using their hands to help other hands. The kids made 115 bowls to give away."

Tami Storey said when she saw the flier her son Dade, 8, brought home with him from school, she wanted to get involved. She also brought her daughter, Jade, 4, to the luncheon.

"I thought it would be nice to have lunch with Dade while also helping out the community," Storey said. "It was so much nicer then I expected."

Her son Dade said he enjoyed making the bowl for the luncheon.

"We made the bowls for Helping Hands," Dade said. "I thought it was fun to make but I am now really excited because I get to keep the bowl."

Angela Christopher bought a ticket for the cafe because she knows there are students in need.

"I understand how hard it can be to get funding for families when they are in a time of need," Christopher said. "I think this will most definitely help our people who need it. I only wish more people would give."

Brooke Weigart, mother of 5-year-old student Mikey, said she wanted to attend the cafe so her son could learn a valuable lesson.

"I wanted to help people to enjoy Thanksgiving and I wanted to show my son how nice it is to give back to those who are in need," Weigart said.

Fundraising for the ABC program will continue, Pabst said. For information or to donate, call (813) 346-0500. New River Elementary School is located at 4710 River Glen Blvd.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or at sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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