2023 efforts brings in more than 15,000 lbs. of food
More than 70 cars full of parent, teacher, and pastor volunteers showed up at Collegedale Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 14 to help students pick up community food donations and drive them to the Samaritan Center donation dock. This flurry of excitement centered on the annual CAD4HOPE Food Drive celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors went out into more than 70 neighborhoods across Ooltewah, Collegedale and surrounding areas last week to drop off bags on people’s doorsteps asking for food donations. The culmination of the event happened Nov. 14 when the same groups headed back out to collect.
“I was so thankful to see the students excited to go out into the community to help collect this food,” said Pastor Chris Massengill, Chaplain for Collegedale Academy. “It is a goal at Collegedale Academy that we find ways to serve others, and it is so cool to see our entire student body engaged in service to our community! A huge thanks to all the volunteers who made this outreach event possible.”
“This drive supplements our food pantry for the entire year,” said Tony Dahlberg, Executive Director of the Samaritan Center. “Needs and costs continue to rise on groceries, but if we all come together and do a little as a community, the way these students are, we can make a big difference.”
This year’s milestone event brought in a grand total of 15,084 pounds of food.
“The CAD4HOPE food drive is one of those win-win situations. It is an opportunity to see our young people living out Collegedale Academy’s mission to serve others and reflect Christ’s character,” said Erin Barthle, Associate Executive Director of the Samaritan Center. “In the last 12 months, we’ve provided over 40,000 food items to hungry families in our community. We are beyond grateful to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the CAD4HOPE food drive, honoring the legacy of Richard and Barbara Cadavero and their love of people and desire to instill the act of service in his students.”
To learn more about the Samaritan Center and its services and needs, visit thesamaritancenter.net. To learn more about the CAD4HOPE Food Drive and the legacy of Richard Cadavero, visit collegedaleacademy.com/cad4hope.
