Downey High’s Annual Food Drive

Passionate about the food drive, Bryan Sandoval, 12, does what he can to make the food drive as successful as possible. “All year different things are happening and we wait for different things,” Sandoval said, “But I’m always waiting for the food drive because it’s the best thing that’s happening in the school that helps others.”

Vanessa Carrillo, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2018

Gathering cans together to help the Downey community, Downey High School and the Downey Parent Teacher Student Association, HELPS, or Health Educational Local Pantry Services, marked Sept. 10 as the first day of their annual food drive.

Mrs. Gunderson, one of Downey’s EAP math teachers, although did not place this years food drive, explains how she usually gets her students to participate every year.

“I would usually tell a story to my classes about a family I grew up with here at Downey High who got most of their food from the food drive,” Mrs. Gunderson stated. “I would usually tell them that it is something I find very important.”

All fourth period classes competed to raise the highest amount of donations, to place top three. Top three classes receive either a donut, ice cream, or a pizza party.

As ASB member, Alyssa Cortez, 12, went around to collect food donations during fourth period, she explains why students should join in and donate food items.

“People should donate because it really helps out the community,” Cortez stated. “It’s a great way for people to help out those in need.”

The main goal for this year’s food drive was to reach 15,000 food items by Sept. 21. Running through the span of two weeks, ASB member, Jason Camacho, 12, explains his feeling on the progress in week one.

“Its going good so far but not yet great,” Camacho stated. “Not great because we can always do better.”

All donations were collected in the ASB room, then were transferred to HELPS, a food bank located at Apollo Park.

The winners of this years food drive were classes of, Mr. Young in first place once again with a total of 873 donations, Mrs. Mendoza as well a returning placer, placing second place with a total of 858 donations, and Mrs. Bean in third place with 261 donations.

Downey High Schools annual food drive, although not having reached their main goal, has managed to raise a total of 5,320 donations throughout all fourth period classes. Which is still a good portion for helping out those in need in our community.

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About the Contributors

Vanessa Carrillo, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Co-Editor in Chief, Vannesa Carrillo, 12, has been part of Downey High School’s Newspaper, The Downey Legend, for the past 2 years. Carrillo has also been part of the Downey Viking’s girls wrestling team since freshman year and wishes to end her last season off strong. As a dependable soul, she spends every lunch with the special needs students in hopes of pursuing a career in teaching the disabled.

As a frequent aid to those with special needs Carrillo has made it her life mission to help those in need. “I help the students with severe developmental issues,” Carrillo stated. “I help feed them. I read to them. I sing to them and I do arts and crafts with them.”

Jessica Garcia, Photographer

Wanting to major in visual arts and performance straight out of high school, Jessica Garcia, 12, has been taking drawing and dance classes since elementary, and acting classes since middle school. “It [visual performance] was the first thing I took interest in since I was a baby,” Garcia said. “and the thought of having options in that certain category is the main reason why I want to major in it.”

My first impression of Jessica, or as everyone knows her Jessie, was that she was a very busy person. And she is, she is a very busy and hardworking person. Jessie makes sure that she always gets her work done and will help you as much as she can if you ask her. Jessie is an extroverted, loud, and cheerful person that never fails to make you smile. Besides being very devoted to newspaper she is very passionate about dance. Jessie loves to dance because it's a way to express emotions without having to speak a word. Throughout the year I have come to know Jessie not only as our business co-manager and a dancer but as a friend, and I am glad that I did because she is such a wonderful person.

-Amy Garcia