Ad

"Boxing it Up to Give Thanks" Program Continues to Grow, Expected to Serve More than Ever Before

By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 08, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

By Hannah Provoznik, BHS Senior
 
For many, the nostalgic memories of Thanksgiving, sweet aromas of pumpkin pie, and the warmth and happiness of a day devoted to family undoubtedly brings a smile to the face. Yet, for some, the financial burden associated with celebrating Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. The third year of Boxing It Up to Give Thanks, an initiative founded through Key Club to provide boxed Thanksgiving meals to those in need, has commenced. In 2018, the program accomplished a fundraising feat and delivered 575 boxed meals. What does Boxing It Up have in store for 2019? The key word is growth.
 
Starting in September, students from Bridgeport, Lewis County, Liberty, Notre Dame, and Robert C. Byrd, united to form the North Central Campaign Committee. Colby Wamsley, a member representing Liberty proudly stated, “Boxing It Up is an amazing program. I am proud to be a member of the campaign committee this year. What excites me the most is watching our group of teens thrive.” Wamsley continued, “My favorite part was watching the leadership growth in Freshman Lauren Seti within a week’s time. This organization is not only helping families in need but is mentoring young students as well.”
 
Boxing It Up’s impact has branched into Washington High School in Charles Town as well. Anna Walter, a lieutenant governor on the Key Club District Board, is initiating the program in her community. She has sparked the interest of two additional branches of the Kiwanis Family: her local Builder’s Club and K-Kids. Throughout the upcoming weeks, she will be focusing on integrating students of all age levels into Boxing It Up.
 
In addition to the expansion of Boxing It Up across numerous schools, it is also being incorporated into the colligate level of Key Club, Circle K. Representatives of West Virginia University, Fairmont State, and West Virginia Wesleyan College will be volunteering from the fundraising stages to box packaging and delivery day.
 
While identifying food pantries to assist, Boxing It Up has found a staggering number of families in need. Donations will be supporting at least 20 food pantries throughout Harrison, Marion, Lewis, Doddridge, Monongalia, and Jefferson Counties.
 
Ashleigh Raddish, a member of the campaign committee from Notre Dame stated, “Boxing It Up is something I hold dear to my heart. I am grateful to be a part of something so special and to be able to include a local food pantry that I have been helping with since I was in grade school.” In 2018, 150 boxes were delivered to The Soup Opera in Marion County where Ashleigh has been involved. On box drop-off day, committee members were met with tears of happiness by the volunteers at the food pantry. For Ashleigh, The Soup Opera ignited her passion to serve. “This is where I first learned what it meant to ‘volunteer’. I’m so glad they are included with this project.”
 
Currently, Boxing It Up has over 800 boxes requested from food pantries. While the need for additional boxes continues, community support is crucial to the success in providing for the goal of 1,000 families. Boxing It Up is calling upon many area business sponsors as well as individuals to support this initiative. Partnering with Price Cutter again this year, Boxing It Up is grateful for their assistance in securing the lowest food cost possible without compromising nutritional value.
 
Buffalo Wild Wings at Charles Pointe will be hosting a promotional night on November 6 from 5-8 p.m., where 15 percent of sales will benefit the campaign. At 7 p.m. all televisions will broadcast a heartfelt video with clips from Boxing It Up’s 2018 journey in service. Simply dining in or ordering takeout is a great way to assist this project!
 
Boxing It Upwelcomes you to follow the campaign on its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages as well as the GoFundMe website. Pictures and updates are provided on a regular basis. Visit www.gofundme.com/boxingitup 2019 to become a supporter as Boxing It Up makes this a Thanksgiving to remember!



Connect Bridgeport
© 2024 Connect-Bridgeport.com