Woodland’s Distributive Education Clubs of America, also known as DECA, has hosted their annual Feedback Event in order to provide food for a local homeless shelter.
The Feedback Event takes place every February at Woodland Regional High School and is one of DECA’s most successful and community-integrated events. The project goal is making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which are donated to St. Michael’s Church food pantry, a church in Beacon Falls, Connecticut.
The club begins collecting donations of non-perishable peanut butter and jelly jars from the students of Woodland, offering a “donut party” as an incentive for the advisory that donates the most total ounces. Bread is provided by a local grocery store, Stop and Shop, which graciously donated about 50 loaves to the event. Club advisors provide all the remaining supplies needed to set the event in motion: knives, gloves, plates, and plastic bags.
“The event would not be possible without all those who contributed materials. We seriously appreciate everyone who helps out and makes this happen,” said Emma Henriques, DECA treasurer.
After a few weeks of collecting, DECA holds a large meeting, one that is guaranteed to be high in attendance.
“It is by far our most popular event,” said Anna Muharem, DECA advisor.
The club opens the event to not only members, but any students who would like to contribute. This year’s event rallied up about 50 students across the school, ready to contribute their time.
“The room was absolutely filled with students who were volunteering. Many hands make light work,” said Muharem.
At once, the preparation begins. Students group together and the assembly lines are formed, dishing out sandwiches one by one. They embrace the persona of a Subway worker as they meticulously spread peanut butter, scoop jelly, and bag the sandwiches for the entirety of the event. In no time, the students produce about 400 quick meals for the individuals of St. Michaels.
“Year after year the students impress me with how quickly and efficiently they work. Mrs. Simoes and I hardly have to give any direction,” Muharem reveals.
The St. Michael Church food pantry serves as a haven for people facing difficulties in their lives, offering essential resources such as shelter, clothing, hygiene facilities, rehabilitation services, mental health support and nutritious meals. As an independent non-profit organization, donations are crucial to sustaining these services. While a seemingly small act, providing sandwiches can have a profound impact on the lives of those in need, contributing significantly to what they lack. They offer long stays along with quick overnights, where sometimes all someone needs is the comfort and nostalgia of a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“The event does not take much to put together, yet its impact is great,” Muharem confirmed.
Places like St. Michaels relies on the good of humanity to donate supplies that support their residents, and Woodland follows through with their hopes.
The event has been a tradition for the past five consecutive years as the officers believe holds great importance. They emphasize the significance of this annual event and express the reasoning for consistently hosting it year after year.
“We are very fortunate to have what we have. We have a roof over our heads, food, clothes, and more than we need,” explained Henriques. “It is important for DECA to host events that give back to those in need in order for the students to reflect on their own fortune and express their gratitude.”
