North Putnam begins ‘Fill the Bus’ food donation campaign

BAINBRIDGE -- Students and teachers alike from North Putnam Community Schools are now collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items for their “Fill the Bus” campaign.

The purpose is to fill a school bus with non-perishable foods, toiletries and other supplies to donate to local food shelters.

The bus is currently parked in front of North Putnam High School. The campaign runs through Friday, April 21.

While raising food and supplies for the campaign, each school within the corporation is having a friendly competition between classes. Bainbridge and Roachdale elementary schools are holding contests to reward the classes that bring in the most food for the bus. The winning class will get to have a swim party at the NPHS pool. Middle school students who donate food items will be rewarded by going outside during Spark class.

In addition to the Fill the Bus campaign, several NPHS students are also taking part in an event called “A Night Without a Home” on April 21. Student volunteers are obtaining pledges to be able to sleep overnight in a cardboard box on the NPHS football field in support of those who are homeless.

Several activities are planned for the evening, including a simulated soup kitchen, a candlelight vigil where students can “walk a mile in their shoes,” games, a movie and several speakers, including featured speaker Maurice Young of the Creative Change Project.

Students are asked to forgo luxury items for the night, including cellphones. NPHS Key Club members have produced a video explaining more about the event.

The video can be found on the NPHS Facebook page.

Last year, the NPHS Key Club was able to collect more than $2,300 in addition to an entire busload of food and supplies. Proceeds last year benefited Beyond Homeless of Greencastle, The Creative Change Project of Indianapolis, New Life Connections of Roachdale and all three food pantries within the North Putnam district -- Two Fish, Roachdale Christian Church and Russellville Community Church.

This year, the Key Club and Rebecca Scotland’s students have set a goal to double that amount.

Those who wish to make a donation of food or toiletries can bring the items to any North Putnam school office during regular school hours. The campaign also accepts donations with checks made payable to “NPHS Key Club.” Businesses that would like to sponsor the event and students interested in participating in A Night Without a Home may contact NPHS Key Clubs advisers Monica Abner or Brandy Dickson at 522-2900 (ext. 454).