Students and staff at Gaudet Middle School and the Gaudet Learning Academy give back to those in need during a recent food drive and walk-a-thon in #MiddletownRI.
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
GIVING THANKS
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (NOVEMBER 1, 2023) – Thanksgiving is a time for people to come together with family and friends to celebrate.
An occasion to express appreciation for all we have around a bountiful meal, our favorite fixings and holiday traditions, whether it’s the Middletown-Portsmouth football game, Newport County YMCA Pie Run, a walk at Second Beach or countless other enjoyable activities.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Middletown looks at Thanksgiving as reason to rejoice, Rather, some are left to wonder whether there will be a meal on the table, any meal because of the need that permeates some parts of the community.
To give back and help ease some of that burden, the physical education staff at Gaudet Middle School and the Gaudet Learning Academy put together a food drive and walk-a-thon recently.
Along with Dustin Almeida, organizers Jennifer Cavallaro and Lori Hanlon said the turnout and support for the drive was better than any year ever in the past, something they and others with the Aquidneck Avenue schools were elated to see.
“I’ve said this before, but I know when people, especially people who aren’t from here, think about Middletown, there’s an impression they have,” Cavallaro said. “The thing is, I know for a fact that this food and the donations are going to help kids who go to our school. You wouldn’t know it, but every donation and dollar matters.”
“We had an amazing turn out for our annual walk-a-thon,” Hanlon added. “Students from Gaudet Middle School and Gaudet Learning Academy came together and were very generous and participated in walking. Our Middletown Community will have a happy healthy Thanksgiving.”
As Cavallaro helped gather donations in the back of a pickup outside the Gaudet Athletic Field one recent morning, it was clear Thea Mello was a fourth grader on a mission.
Thea gathered cans, boxes and other items from her classmates who formed a line behind the pickup, a “Thank you!” and a warm smile greeting each.
“I like helping people and this is a great way to do that,” Thea said. “Some people are having a tough time and I know this will help.”
Then, she moved along to the next person, gathering up their donations and keeping things moving.
“Food drives like this are fun,” Thea said. “It makes me feel good to see everyone here, helping.”
Others agreed, saying the food drive and walk-a-thon was something the Gaudet community should do more regularly.
“We did this last year and it was fun,” eighth grader Laila Hill said. “It makes you feel good to know we’re helping a lot of people.”
“Look at all these people giving,” eighth grader Madelyn Transue said. “It’s very exciting to give back and making a positive difference for others.”
As “Imagine” by John Lennon blared over the pickup’s stereo system, Principal Billy Niemeyer said he’s always impressed at how the Gaudet community rallies together. Whether it’s a food drive and walk-a-thon or support for a staff member or other efforts, Niemeyer said there’s an immense amount of pride in the school — and its students.
“It might not be overly obvious, but there’s a significant population here that receives free and reduced hot lunches and people in need,” Niemeyer said. “Gaudet really goes above and beyond for each other and these types of things make a big difference.”
“We did this at Aquidneck School last year and it’s all for a good cause,” fourth grader Brooks Rogol said, his buddy Hawkin Powers nodding his head in agreement. “When you’re able to help somebody else, that’s what it’s all about.”
Cavallaro agreed, thanking the school’s entire physical education staff for their efforts. She also gave shout outs to Tina Murphy-Reynolds and her students for their work putting together holiday baskets for those in need. She also thanked Debra Danis and her students for the posters advertising the event along with Jonathan Paquette and his students for their outstanding banner.
“When I see events like this and how we’ve had more participation than ever before, I couldn’t be more proud,” Cavallaro said. “Thank you everyone for making this day such a success and for being so supportive.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/9697/NYCU-Thanks
