The annual Adams High School Can Drive took place the week of November 13th. Student Council spent weeks in preparation to create the most rewarding Can Drive possible, athe proceeds going to the local Rochester Neighborhood House, which uses the donations to help support families in need.
The theme this year was “Cantasy Football”. The play on words created a competitive nature similar to the real fantasy game. Money was raised in competitions between teachers and between grades, which proved effective for raising thousands of dollars for charity.
Teachers were split into groups by teaching subjects and named after NFL teams. Teams competed against one another to collect the most money. The determination to beat out other departments generated some creative ideas to make money. Incentives within the classroom were surefire ways to raise money from students.
But, what consistently makes the most money year after year is the most simple yet powerful idea–food sales. Lines of people wait for donuts and pizza, overcrowding the hallways of Adams as everyone rushes to snatch a bite before the food runs out. Language Arts teacher David Lovalvo latched onto the idea of food sales years ago with the promotion of “Donuts and Dew”. Year after year, Lovalvo contributes big dollars throughout the week.
“A long time ago I realized that providing something that kids can’t usually get on normal school days, like pizza, pop, and donuts, would be the best way to raise money for charity,” said Lovalvo.
(photo credits:@adamsstudentcouncil on instagram)
The bucket wars between grades is another way the Can Drive raises quick cash. There is nothing more compelling to students than beating the other grades. Every day at lunch, the money each grade donated was measured and showcased on an IFP board in the cafeteria. At the end of the week, the results were announced, and the sophomores took the win.
After weeks of counting, the results of the can drive resulted in just under 3,000 cans and $13,000.
Even though Can Drive week is a fun event for students at Adams, what’s most important is why Adams takes it so seriously. The money raised plays a huge role in The Rochester Neighborhood House being able to help families throughout the entire winter season and throughout the year, which is why the RNH is so grateful. The twenty dollars donated for class incentive or pizza and donuts could mean an extra meal for a person in need.
