D-E students, faculty, and staff across divisions made a difference in a big way as they participated in our annual Thanksgiving Food and Coat drives. In the Upper School, the Office of Student Life and members of the CODES and HOPE clubs coordinated the collection of food for the Center for Food Action (CFA) and coats, jackets, and winter accessories for the Bergen Family Center. The Middle and Lower Schools also teamed up to give back to our local community. Students were able to experience their impact firsthand, including sorting items and loading delivery trucks. As part of the Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD) initiative, led by Third Grade Teacher Ms. Sussmann, her class as well as some Fourth Graders attended a Zoom meeting with CFA Director Lori Oliff P’09,’12, who spoke earnestly about how dire the current climate is for families facing food insecurity. This year’s collection surpassed expectations. “It is by far the most we have ever collected!” remarked Ms. Sussmann. “I think [the plea by Ms. Oliff] was one reason we had such a great response.” Ms. Debbie Rivera Murphy ’11, Dean of Student Life, echoed this sentiment, sharing, “The incredible generosity of our community, at such a critical time of need for many local area families, is fantastic.” We’re so grateful to our entire community of learners for stepping up to “make it better”!
