Collection bins line the halls of Glen Allan Elementary after their third annual food drive for the Strathcona Food Bank.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students and staff are spreading joy across the Division by organizing a variety of charitable activities. Schools are holding food drives, hosting fundraisers and celebrating the season as they learn the value of giving back to their communities.

“Schools divisionwide go above and beyond during the holiday season,” says Trina Boymook, the Board Chair at EIPS. “I’m proud to see the number of fundraising initiatives schools run that teach students the values of compassion, empathy and citizenship. We’re grateful to have the support of local communities and thank everyone for their incredible generosity.”

Many of the charity events launched in November and are running throughout the month of December. Some events of note include:

• Glen Allan Elementary wrapped up their third annual Strathcona Food Bank campaign, bringing in a total of 1,024 pounds in donations.
• Davidson Creek Elementary is engaging in a 12 Days of Christmas food drive—the Strathcona Food Bank’s most-needed items align with a different school day from December 1 to 16.
• Bruderheim School is collecting new mittens and gloves throughout November and December. They will take all mittens gathered to a local church to join other donations going to the Bissell Centre and Mustard Seed organizations in Edmonton.
• Pine Street Elementary is celebrating 10 Days of Christmas Giving with their third annual food drive.
• Westboro Elementary finished collecting donations for the Strathcona County Christmas Bureau, while Woodbridge Farms Elementary has started gathering items.
• Grade 1 classes at Lamont Elementary are hosting a toy and food drive for the County of Lamont Christmas Hampers.

In addition to a food drive, Brentwood Elementary is hosting a Family Winter Celebration where families can gather for some holiday cheer on December 15. Stations will include skating, snowshoeing and cookie decorating, and families can come enjoy hot chocolate and storytelling around a bonfire.

Vegreville Composite High’s goal is for every student to have a free holiday meal. Chef Sheldon Thompson and culinary arts students at the school will be preparing a meal for the student body and several special guests on December 16.

Fort Saskatchewan Christian will be collecting donations during their Christmas concert for food hampers to give to families in need. In fact, many EIPS students will also celebrate the season with various holiday performances, warming hearts as they sing in unity.

“The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate together,” says Boymook. “And the holiday spirit doesn’t end here. Connecting with communities through charitable activities throughout the year is vital to enhancing welcoming, respectful and positive environments inside—and outside—the Division.”

Details about individual school concerts and other holiday events will be shared with school families as details are finalized.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,460 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902