My name is Nikole Brown, and I serve as the Parent Resource Coordinator for Confluence Academy Old North. The Parent Resource Center of Confluence Academy Old North serves the needs of over 900 students and their families and provide resources to a community where 95% of our students receive reduced or free lunch from K-8th grade.
Through the center's events, educational programs, and service projects, we hope to combat the violence of the surrounding environment, encourage students leaders, and build a strong, positive community.
The CAON food pantry is one of our newest projects, and is being led by our 7th grade class. The students are in charge of every aspect of the pantry including budget, fundraising, packing, and logistics. Five of the 7th grades act as the youth managers and have the additional task of creating branding, marketing strategies, and community partnerships.
The first action of the pantry is to provide for the growing number of families in need in our community by trying to spread some Christmas joy. Through this fundraiser we hope to provide Christmas dinner baskets and winter gear (coats, hats, and gloves) for at least 40 families.
The money will be used to provide each family a full Christmas dinner with enough for atleast one or two days of leftovers (budgeted at $50). We will also supply winter clothing where needed. If we do not reach our goal, we will serve as many families as we can.
Our students and families want to serve their community, even when they are also the ones in need. During our Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive, we were able to donate 2,000 cans collected by students and their families to two local food pantries that serve a collective 1,900 families a month. Now we need the help of the St. Louis community so we may add to this service. Help our food pantry be successful in this effort. You could possibly turn the holiday around for at least one family.
If you don't have the funds, please spread the word. Share to your social media. Email to your friends and family. Post our link in your company lounge. WE NEED YOUR HELP!