Partnerships are critical to the success of Marion-Polk Food Share. Ending local hunger is a cause that resonates with many people in Marion and Polk counties. Most recently, helping hands were extended to the regional food bank by 99 sixth-graders from Crossler Middle School.

Encouraged by Crystal Apple award-winning teacher Sue Luft and language arts teacher Elizabeth Gicquel, four 6th grade classes embraced the cause of fighting local hunger by launching a letter-writing and advocacy campaign focused on family, friends and anyone else who will lend an ear.

Already, the youths have raised more than $500 since April 20. Many of the students also passed out information at a Downtown Salem First Wednesday event in May.

The advocacy project grew from a business letter writing exercise that is part of the 6th grade curriculum.

“We decided to add purpose to it rather than just demonstrating a skill,” Luft said.

Community Parnerships Coordinator Janet Spingath made a presentation about Marion-Polk Food Share to the students. The students followed up by watching the 60 Minutes video about the rise in child hunger in the United States, and they did research about Food Share via pamphlets, MPFS newsletters and sample letters.

The focus of their letter writing is advocacy for the Sustainers Circle. Members of this group commit to fight hunger with regular monthly donations that support the work of Marion-Polk Food Share to end hunger in Marion and Polk counties.

“We are now in the last stages of writing 100 percent original letters to meet our curriculum requirements,” Luft said. “The letters they are currently working on will go home (with a brochure) to be given to a family member or friend who could possibly be a good candidate to be a Sustainer.”

“Marion-Polk Food Share is so proud to partner with these students. They are helping to feed our community’s future! Philanthropy and generosity can be practiced at any age,” said Sarah Perryman, Sustainer Campaign manager.