Since Project Outreach formed 40 years ago, Norwich Free Academy has been contributing to its students’ families by raising awareness of people in need of food for the holidays. 

“The Food Drive has been in existence, I know by looking back at old records and yearbooks, since the start of Project Outreach,” stated coordinator Jodi Savage.  “And it’s really important that we give back to our community… Some years we’ve filled the entire hallway of Tirrell, and other years, it’s only been a few boxes, but every little bit helps.”

Although the number of students that provide non-perishable goods for the Food Drive varies from year to year, the students who contribute support families both on and off campus. 

“I wanted to donate to the Food Drive partly because I’m a coordinator, and I see the work it does,” explained lower Alexia Ramos-Labonte.  “I see the people we help first hand, and it is great to experience [the impact] we can [have by] doing little things.”

Students who donated were entered to win a gift card from Moe’s Southwest Grill or Dunkin Donuts, but the Food Drive was more than a contest for Ramos-Labonte.  

“My family understands what it’s like to struggle as most families do, and it hits close to home.” Ramos-Labonte added, “I like to give to others as I would hope they would do for me.”