It can start small with pennies collected in a jar. Or it could be a multi-state plan worthy of news coverage.

Here's their story about how students at an Oakland Park school responded to the challenge of helping others:

On September 3, Bruce Harris, The Pantry of Broward’s Development Director, addressed two student assemblies of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Wilton Manors at the conclusion of Morning Chapel. St. Mark’s staff and students have long been friends to the seniors served by agency, and jumped at the opportunity to participate in this very special philanthropy lesson.

Upon explaining to the students that in Broward County, more than 25,500 seniors age 60 and older are hungry -- and further, that poor nutrition causes sickness resulting in a multitude of health problems, Mr. Harris asked the students if they believed anyone in Broward County or anywhere should be hungry? Their reply? A resounding “NO!”

He then presented a challenge: Raise 2 tons of food for seniors in need. It could be done, he said, if each St. Mark’s student brings in four canned good items that weighs one pound each, which would equal 1 ton. The students were then challenged over the the Labor Day holiday to think of ways to raise another 1 ton of food to meet the goal by the end of October.

The students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten have also started a campaign, which they've coined Pennies for Pasta. They will collect pennies in empty pasta containers. Once filled they money will be used to buy food.

Behind the scene:
The fund-raisers: 470 elementary and middle-school students from St. Mark’s Episcopal School,1750 E Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park.

The moderators: Chaplain Ron Hayde, Jeremy Ayers and Father Dub Brooks

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