A bright yellow school bus was parked at the entrance of Westhill High School earlier this week, but it wasn't dropping off students. It was picking up donated food items.
"We did this last year, and it was a success. So we said, OK, it's an annual event," said Connie Konya, vice president of the Stamford Education Association.
Konya, along with SEA President Lori Rossomando and other members of the union stood near the bus before Tuesday's convocation for Stamford teachers began, soliciting food donations and cash for food purchases. Their efforts were part of the "Fill the Bus" food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. The event was a joint effort of SEA and Stamford Public Schools.
The convocation was an ideal time to have the food drive, Konya said.
"It's the one time of the year all the teachers and staff are gathered in one place," she said.
Sarah Arnold, public affairs officer for Stamford Public Schools, estimated that about 1,000 educators, staff and guests attended the convocation.
A flier advertising the drive highlighted uses for cash donations. Among them: "$20 can supply soup kitchens with vegetables for a week," "$150 can provide four weeks of food for family of four," and "$75 can provide school lunch for one child for two months."
After the collection, the bus delivered the items to the food bank. Konya promised a return trip for next year's convocation.
"It's our chance to give back to the community," she said.
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