Food bank gets a soup tree

The students at Widdifield Secondary School continued to demonstrate their commitment community and dedication to helping those in need this week.

Students in Lynda Marshall's Grade 10 English class led the student initiative 'Christmas Soup Tree' by alerting students through announcements, posters and word of mouth encouraging everyone to donate cans of soup to help the North Bay Food.

The student body responded and with help from No Frills and Nipissing University Lakers helped collect over 2000 cans of soup.

"Our goal was 2009 cans of soup for Christmas 2009," notes Marshall.

"We actually collected 2052 cans when all is said and done."

She also notes that the Nipissing Lakers Hockey team donated a signed game jersey (Nathan Hewitt's) and four hockey tickets for the final contest.

"If the kids brought in soup, they were given a ballot to enter the draw for the hockey package. This was very generous and exciting for all the hockey fans at WSS."

"Jeff and Tanis' NO FRILLS also donated 21 cases of soup ... Amazing!"

She goes on to say that the goal was to teach the students what the holidays are all about by doing something for others, or even for students in their own classes who may be relying on the food bank this Christmas.

"I was hoping for some volunteers and was overjoyed when ALL the students in both grade 10 classes wanted to participate. I am extremely proud of them!"