Robinson Students Make Special Deliveries

students have delivered over 200 care packages in the last school year to community-based charities.

It is all part of the “Packaged With Care” project that came about two years ago, when special education teacher Megan Gaeta applied for a “Pepsi Refresh” grant online. The grant makes available millions of dollars for projects intended to improve communities, according to Pepsi’s website.

“I just wanted to create a purposeful job for my kids,” Gaeta said.

The program starts out with students shopping for common household items like toiletries, school supplies, and non-perishable foods. The items are assembled into care packaged for area charities. The money to purchase the items come from the Pepsi grant along with donations from area community organizations, such as the Clifton Lions Club.

“It’s really cool because we are helping out people in the community,” said 18-year-old student Katie Castellow.

In the past, the students have made donations of school bags for children at the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption center, and toiletry bags for families at the Artemis Shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“It feels good to be helping people,” said student Sara Draznin, 18.

If you are interested in helping support ‘Packaged with Care,’ contact Megan Gaeta at 703-426-2289.