Five first grade teachers at Eastside Elementary School in Constantine decided to teach children to care for others, and incorporated that idea in with school skills.

First grade students at Eastside Elementary School in Constantine formed a "100" out of cans to celebrate the "100th day of school" on Thursday. Teachers had students bring in items for the Constantine Food Bank located at Messiah Lutheran Church. They took a field trip to donate the cans. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Teachers Stacey Cooper, Laura King, Heather McGlothlen, Andrea Muckel and Christine Stacey had 120 students celebrate their “100th day of school” by bringing in over 100 canned goods on Thursday (February 15th) to donate to the Food Bank located at Messiah Lutheran Church.

Students brought a total of 259 cans, made a “100″ out of cans for a photo, then took a mini trip to donate the items.  “This ties in with the theme of place value in math, and learning about our community for our social studies,” Christine Stacey said. ”The month of February we focus on friendship and giving also.”

Getting in the spirit of the event, students in Stacey Cooper’s class made “(Child’s name) is 100 days smarter!” hats.

Rev. Dennis Smith, who pastors the church the Food Bank is located at, told students he was grateful for their efforts.  “Thanks so much for caring about the people who utilize our Food Bank. Our shelves get a little bare,” Smith said. “There are a lot of hungry people out there that will benefit and this will help out.”

“You’re great!” Smith added.

The Constantine Food Bank at Messiah Lutheran Church is located at 185 W. 5th Street and is open from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Thursdays to Constantine residents. You must bring in proof of residency. Call (269) 435-9785 for information.

Source:  Story and photo contributed by Angie Birdsall.