Van Antwerp
Middle School students collect more “green” for
those less fortunate
Nearly 1,800 cans of green beans donated to
Equinox Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Van Antwerp Middle
School students got quite a work out as they
loaded up a delivery truck from Albany Equinox
on Thursday, November 19 with dozens of boxes
filled with cans of green beans they collected
for the charity’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.
Math teacher Alyssa Kouzan said the collection
began slowly at first, but thanks to the
generosity of VA’s families, students, faculty
and staff nearly 1,800 cans of green beans were
collected—surpassing the annual goal of 1,600.
To help with the effort, students sponsored
“green days” at school during which they wore
green clothing to get into the spirit. Students
also spread the word by wearing stickers with
various phrases including “I love beans!” and
“green beans rock!”
The Van Antwerp Middle School community has
collected green beans for the annual Albany
Equinox Thanksgiving Dinner for the past 13
years. The dinner traditionally serves thousands
of fellow community members who are in need.
“During these
tough economic times it gives me a warm feeling
to help people who are having difficulty putting
food on their tables” said Natasha Nugent, a VA
eighth-grader.
Principal Luke Rakoczy lent a hand as his
students fulfilled their annual community
service project by loading the truck.
“I am extremely proud of the contributions from
faculty, students, staff and families in support
of our green bean drive,” he said. “It was a
true community effort that will help feed those
in need this holiday season.”
Van Antwerp Middle
School students got quite a work out as they
loaded up a delivery truck from Albany Equinox
on Thursday, November 19 with dozens of boxes
filled with cans of green beans they collected
for the charity’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.