We can raise money to Help for Hunger

For approximately the past twenty-eight years, Ipswich Middle School students and staff have participated in the Walk for Hunger, a ten-mile walk to Great Neck and back on the Friday before April vacation as a means to support the Ipswich Community Food Pantry, who are now partnered with The Open Door in Gloucester. Our goal each year has been to raise $10,000 to support local community members who might otherwise struggle to consistently put food on their tables. In April of 2019, we surpassed our wildest expectations and IMS raised over $18,000 to support this worthwhile cause! This year, due to the current conditions, we realize the need to feed our community is even greater. We are hoping to raise as much as we are able.

With each passing year, the number of families who benefit from the pantry continues to grow. Prior to the pandemic, they were providing food for over 400 families. During these unprecedented times when so many people are no longer able to work and bring home a paycheck, the pantry needs us now more than ever. With each passing day, the pantry adds a new service, such as distributing groceries to seniors or families who are not able to shop on their own. After a conference call with their administrative team last Friday, we were informed that their usage has increased by 40%.

While we may not be able to walk as a school this April, and while we may not reach our previous fundraising achievements, we are confident that our school community would like to continue our long-standing tradition of making a difference. In an effort to provide the Ipswich Community Food Pantry with some much-needed assistance, we are encouraging Ipswich Middle School students and their families to participate in a virtual Help for Hunger campaign this year. From Monday, April 13th through Friday, April 24th, we are hoping that your family can set a fundraising goal along with a fun way to participate in our virtual fundraiser while adhering to the current social distancing expectations.

Part of what makes Ipswich such a unique community is that there is never a shortage of help when it is truly needed. Not only will the pantry be grateful, but many of our very own neighbors will be as well. May we engage with full hearts knowing that each task we decide to undertake is providing nourishment to our beloved citizens in our town. Thank you in advance for your support!