Jesuit High School Gears Up for 49th Annual Food Drive

It's the 49th annual food drive at Jesuit High School in Beaverton and once again students are getting ready to deliver food to hundreds of families in the area. More than 600 families are expected to receive a care box when distribution starts on Thurday.

The drive, which started in 1969 with $350 being raised so food could be provided to about 40 families, will turn the school's student center into a food sorting and distribution with canned food expected to reach the 15-foot high ceilings.

"As Jesuit High School has grown, so has its food drive," said Scott Powers, food drive coordinator. "The drive not only helps families during Christmas, but also provides non-perishable foods for local food banks as well. We are seeing more multigenerational families, families pooling resources to try and make ends meet.

"The need is tremendous,"

Students, faculty, and staff will volunteer through the night of Dec. 16 sorting and preparing the food for delivery on Thursday, Dec. 15, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

"Not only are we collecting food these two weeks, we are raising awareness about hunger in Oregon," said Powers. "We hope students will realize hunger is not a once-a-year issue.

"It is year-round."

The families are pre-selected through St. Vincent de Paul and Lifeworks Oregon. Students will deliver all of the food that has been collected at Jesuit High School over the prior two weeks.

In addition, alumni of Jesuit High School will host their own food drive the weekend of December 15-17. Alumni will deliver to over 1500 families and 30 local shelters.

"The Alumni Food Drive brings our community together to continue our mission of being men and women for others," said Kathy Baarts, Alumni Director. "The need for food continues to increase and we have continued to grow in the number of boxes we are able to provide and the agencies we are able to serve." Packing begins on Thursday, Dec. 15, immediately following the conclusion of the student drive mentioned above.

If you are interested in delivering food (all are welcome to participate) on Saturday, December 17, or helping prepare food boxes on December 15 or 16, please contact the JHS alumni office at 503-291-5414 or kbaarts@jesuitportland.org.

Food Drive Schedule (VIDEO & PHOTO OPPS.):

* Wednesday, Dec. 14 @ 2:10 pm -- Food collection in student center (Jesuit HS)

* Thursday, Dec. 15 @ 8 am or 12 noon -- Student delivery begins

* Saturday, Dec. 17 @ 8:00 a.m. -- Alumni food drive with pancake breakfast and delivery

Photo Jesuit High School