Join AMADC in its effort to help See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools end hunger in our local area by donating canned goods or other non-perishable items and volunteering.

It’s an American tradition and one we often take for granted. Magazines and media show photos of starving people in far off lands; our hearts have no choice but to feel badly for just a moment. Then, like magic, another more pleasing image fills the space and our thoughts quickly move on. They are far away and surely someone will take care of them, what could I do anyway?

Hunger isn’t a problem somewhere else anymore; it’s a problem in our country. That’s right – millions of working-class Americans, children and the elderly do not have enough food or are suffering from malnutrition. Food pantries all over the country are stretched to the limit as our economy falters, unemployment rises and food prices decide the difference between a healthy meal or something pilfered from a trash can. This isn’t happening somewhere else, it’s happening in the Washington, DC area and there is something you can do about it.

The 9th grade class of the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools, a multi-campus collaboration of charter schools serving DC’s most underserved and disconnected youth, has teamed with Sodexo employees for a Semester of Service: Addressing Hunger. During the 11-week program, students are focused on the importance of giving back, nutrition and how to eat healthy on a budget.

On Saturday, November 19, 2011 students will conclude their semester long project with a grand banquet featuring recipes they have created. In addition, students will create booths and displays to help educate attendees on hunger, malnutrition and much more learned from this important educational assignment. Local members of the community, volunteers and students will be invited to attend and will be asked to bring at least one canned good or nonperishable food item for their admittance.

Sodexo employees have agreed to join the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou 9th grade class in their food drive and began collecting food at their own office locations to combine with the student’s bounty. All food gathered will be distributed to local food pantries and shelters by the students after the banquet.

We need volunteers and canned goods or other non-perishable food items for the November 19 event. Won’t you consider helping AMADC in its effort to help See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou 9th graders end hunger in our local area?

Our goal is to collect at least 100 individual items; either canned goods or non-perishable items to be delivered the day of the banquet. We are also looking for volunteers at the event to lend a hand. November is a time for giving thanks but more importantly it’s about remembering to give to others. One canned good can make a difference. Ask five friends for one can each and you’ll be amazed at just how easy a can-do attitude can make a difference.

Please contact Chris Lorence, Vice President of Giving, at chris.lorence@amadc.org to discuss your plan for giving back.