Bedford Middle School Penny War Raises More Than $7.3k

Submitted

It has been an amazing two weeks of giving at Bedford Middle School leading up to Thanksgiving. The 6th and 7th Grade students have been engaged in CAN WARS, to collect and donate food to Homes With Hope, a local grassroots response to the tragedy of homelessness. Meanwhile, the 8th Grade students have been battling pod versus pod in PENNY WARS, to raise funds for Westport Department of Human Services and other community organizations. Despite how militaristic these annual events sound, everyone emerges victorious.

CAN WARS

For the past two weeks, the 6th and 7th graders at Bedford have been battling it out -- and the results are in. This year, 6,472 items of food were collected at last count... with more still trickling in! This unbelievable amount of food will supplement Homes With Hope’s pantry for Thanksgiving, the upcoming holidays, and throughout the year. That is an increase of 1,500 items over last year’s donation! The 6th Grade class took an early lead over 7th Grade and maintained supremacy until the end -- it was an ultimate 6th Grade victory!

PENNY WARS UPDATE

This year’s Penny Wars has been a huge success, raising over $7,300 for the ‘Tis the Season Holiday Gift Drive of the Westport Department of Human Services. Over 50 Individuals in the community will be helped with their holiday shopping, as well as a stock of gift cards for groceries, gas, toiletries to be used as needed throughout the year! Over $60,000 has been given in Penny Wars since the program began 11 years ago, a huge testament to the spirit of giving of Bedford students!

The annual Penny Wars and Can Wars are two of over 40 programs the Bedford PTA conducts throughout the year including community events for our students, teacher grant programs to support innovative learning opportunities, and events to connect our parents with the school.