June 16, 2022

Streams focuses support on Pittsburgh food bank

The Streams Elementary School community raised $2,099 and 4,369 pounds of food to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank through its annual Children for Children initiative.

Each month from February through May, students collected the food bank’s most requested items. In February, donations included canned fruits and vegetables. Throughout March, products included canned tuna and fish as well as soups and beans. During April, the focus was on cereals, oats and pasta. Finally, in May, students donated a variety of baby and children’s products, including diapers, wipes, fruit cups, juice boxes and snacks.

In addition, monetary donations were collected throughout the spring and raised through the sale of raffle tickets for chances to win student-made items. Held during the school’s annual STAR Night open house, raffle items included 2022-23 calendars, knotted blankets, cookbooks, notecards and magnets.

With the slogan, “A Simple Act Can Make a Difference,” the Streams’ Children for Children community service initiative was first launched in the 2004-05 school year. The goal was simple: expose students to other children in the world who are in need, and show them how they can make a difference.

“Students participated in hands-on lessons about the importance of taking action and encouraging the idea that small acts of kindness and action can make a big difference in our community and world,” Lauren Bogus, second grade teacher, said.

Each year, the school selects a different charitable organization – the only prerequisite is that the organization must help children. Since 2005, the Children for Children initiative has raised nearly $100,000 to benefit local, regional, national and international organizations. Charities have included Connecting Children with Champions, UNICEF Tsunami Relief, Katrina School Fund, CORE Organ, Dominican Republic Outreach Program, Heifer International, National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple, Casey’s Clubhouse, Jameson’s Army, Grady’s All Stars, The Education Partnership, Global Links, Our Clubhouse, South Hills Interfaith Movement, Beverly’s Birthdays and Best Buddies.