by Davy James, Staff Writer
With the troubled economy creating greater need throughout the country, some students at South Brunswick High School have stepped up to help the less fortunate in Middlesex County.
But the student volunteers need the help of South Brunswick residents to bring aid to those who need it most.
As part of the SBHS Character Education initiative, students and staff are participating in a weekend food drive Feb. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at four local supermarkets to collect food donations. All donations go to the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS).
”This is the second annual food drive the high school has held, and last year, we finished second in donations in Middlesex County,” said school psychologist and student advisor Maury Wohl, who helped organize the drive. “Last year, we only did the drive on one day, but this year we’re doing two days because the need is greater than ever. Most food drives don’t start until the spring because most people don’t want to stand outside in the cold in February.”
Last year, SBHS was able to raise 5,500 pounds of donated food, according to Ms. Wohl. This year they hope to raise 6,500 pounds.
So far 350 students and between 30 and 40 adults have signed up to participate in the weekend drive. Some students said they feel compelled to get involved because of the effects they’ve seen from the recession.
”Because of the economy right now, there are more and more families falling on hard times and unable to provide the food they need for their families,” said Elizabeth Butera, a senior at the school from Kendall Park. “I read in November how the food pantry’s donations were the lowest they’ve been in years and how there were more and more families going to it in need. That’s what drove me to get involved. Volunteering and helping people is one of my favorite things to do.”
The decision to expand the drive to two days was Elizabeth’s idea after she participated in the drive last year. She said many people go shopping Saturday or Sunday so the extra day will allow them to collect more donations.
She said last year’s drive was successful because of the generosity of so many residents.
”I remember one lady who went in to the store for one item and came out with an entire cart full of food,” Elizabeth said. “She took her one item out and donated the rest of the cart to us. (SBHS) Principal Matheney went to all four stores we were collecting at and donated a cart of food.”
Other students had similar experiences in last year’s drive.
”We had a lot of people willing to buy food even if they were only going in for a few items,” said Jessica Molmar, a senior from Kendall Park. “We had bins for collecting money so if they weren’t able to give food, they gave us money.”
The students said helping those in need was important to them, especially in the economic crisis.
”It makes me feel good giving back to the community and helping give back to those who need the most help,” Jessica said. “It’s difficult standing out in the cold collecting, but it’s all worth it.”
The four collection sites for the food drive will be at the ShopRite, on Route 130, in North Brunswick, and the Stop & Shop stores on Route 1, Route 27 and Route 522. The food drive at the Stop & Shop, on Route 522, will be held Feb. 21 only; the other food drives will be held Feb. 21 and 22.

