Haddonfield Child Care
Denise T. Sellers
856-429-1603
May 16, 2014
F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
Afterschool Program Fights Hunger with “We CAN Help!”
In today’s techno-based society, how can we encourage parents and children to spend time together with electronics off, interacting face- to-face, and engaging in meaningful activities?
The makers of Torani Syrups posed just that question recently to afterschool programs around the country with their “Power Down and Connect Up” initiative. The opportunity to participate was offered only to programs led by current or past “Afterschool Ambassadors” (a designation of the Afterschool Alliance) and so HCC Executive Director Denise Sellers, an Ambassador Emeritus, was thrilled to be eligible. Haddonfield Child Care responded with a plan which was ultimately accepted by Torani as one of just a few chosen nationwide for funding.
On May 28, 2014, from 4-6:30 p.m. at Elizabeth Haddon School, the children, parents and staff of the afterschool program will be designing and building a very special construction project, made entirely of canned food. Dubbed “We CAN Help!,” the project serves as a unique combination of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math,) along with art and service learning, while still providing a powerful vehicle for families and staff to interact together in a spirit of teamwork.
Two teams have been collecting donations of food, and on the day of the event, will compete to create the most unique structure built entirely from the donated cans. Afterward, the food will be donated to the St. Paul’s Food Pantry in Collingswood, in a joint effort with the Evening Membership Department of the Haddon Fortnightly, whose members regularly work at and supply food to the pantry.
Mark Simmons, supervisor of the Elizabeth Haddon afterschool program reports, “The children and parents of the afterschool program are excited about the project. They have been forming and naming their teams, collecting food on their own and competing for donated cans, creating signs and banners, and discussing their team ideas. They’re having a great time planning it!”
Celebrity judges and participants on the day of the event will include Haddonfield Mayor Jeff Kasko, Elizabeth Haddon Principal Craig Ogelby, and local sculptor John Giannotti. Prizes will be awarded for most food collected, sportsmanship, team spirit, creativity, and best overall design.
At the conclusion of the event, refreshments will be served to participants and guests, featuring a smoothie bar provided by Torani Syrups.
Haddonfield Child Care (HCC) is a non-profit organization which provides before and after school child care and kindergarten wraparound care for the children enrolled in the Haddonfield public schools. HCC has been in operation for nearly 29 years, and is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and enriching program in addition to meeting the child care needs of working families.
Anyone who would like to donate canned food to one or both of the teams, or would like more information about the program, may contact Haddonfield Child Care at 429-1603.