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The Goshen Youth Ending Hunger Club has had a remarkably fulfilling year. The members held had a number of successful fundraisers this year, including raising $2,000 for UNICEF and $1,276 for CROP. These funds will help improve health and living conditions for children and their families around the world.

Club members recently ran the “Read to Feed” drive, which will be used for national aid this year. For local relief, the club hosted its Party-Lite event, our first Dessert and Bingo Party Night and the Joe Corbi Pizza and Cookie Dough sale. In addition, a number of private donations were received.

Over the course of the school year, the Youth Ending Hunger Club has distributed approximately 200 food baskets to about 60 families. Baskets were sent for Ramadan; Thanksgiving and Duvali; Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa; Easter and Passover; and Mother’s/Father’s/Guardian’s Day. The club also distributes food throughout the year based on need. 

For the fourth year in a row, the Goshen Youth Ending Hunger Club sponsored a community dinner at St. James Episcopal Church, which was organized and led by Co-President Erin Van Dunk.

With the help of parents and students, the club collected school supplies for back-to school; toys, books and gifts for the winter holidays; and toiletries for Valentines Day.

The newest initiative was a small appliance collection, which was introduced and carried out by co-president Luisa Matalucci and club member Bennett Calogero, as part of their Girl Scout Gold Award. As a part of their project, the pair will update the club's brochure and translate it into Spanish with the assistance of Mrs. Hernandez, a fourth grade teacher at GIS.

Annually, Principal Mary Ann Knight sponsors -- and the GIS faculty supports -- “March is Youth Ending.” Mrs. Kloorfain’s fourth grade class won for collecting the most food and enjoyed a fruit and kabob party. In addition, this year's “Math Night” had an entrance fee a can of non-perishable school for our food pantry.

As you can see, it takes the work of an entire community to accomplish all that the club was able to accomplish over the years. The Youth Ending Hunger Club is grateful that the surrounding community cares to make a difference in our world.