A lesson in giving
SEV students connect ‘The Hunger Games’ with community service
Trending
BURNSIDE -- For Southeast Valley Middle School seventh graders, the lessons in "The Hunger Games" extend well beyond the pages of a book. They are an opportunity to help their neighbors and peers stock their pantry shelves and meet basic needs.
As students read Suzanne Collins' novel, they are bringing back an annual canned food and hygiene items drive to benefit local food pantries. The project combines literacy lessons with community service, encouraging students to consider how they can work together as a community to help others.
Southeast Valley seventh grade literacy teacher Abby Peterson created the project in 2018, establishing a tradition that connects the book characters' experiences with opportunities for students to make a difference close to home.
"I want to teach students empathy and compassion, and show them how empathy and compassion can change not only the world around us, but us as people, too," said Peterson.
Students have placed change boxes at businesses and libraries throughout the area. The boxes will remain in place until the afternoon of Oct. 28. Students will use the monetary donations to purchase groceries and hygiene products, which they will deliver to food pantries in Dayton and Gowrie in early November.
For seventh grader Ruger Skougard, the connection between the book and the project comes through the actions of Peeta, a character who helps Katniss and her family when they need food.
"It is important to do this project because we are helping raise money to get products for people who may not be able to support themselves or their families," said Skougard. "For example, Katniss in 'The Hunger Games' needed help, and Peeta was there to help her. This project allows us to help out people like Peeta did for Katniss and her family."
Avery Sadler sees the drive as a way to respond to needs similar to those students encounter in their reading.
"Us doing this food and change drive connects to the book we are reading because not everyone in the book has what they need to survive," said Sadler. "We don't want that to happen in our lives, so we are doing something about it because we don't want people to be in a situation like our characters are in District 12."
The unit also asks students to think about the difference between what people want and what they need.
"I feel like this project is important because it gives us opportunities to learn what we need and don't need for a basic life, and how we can help others get their basic needs," said Paisley Bintz.
"The project is important to me because seeing people in need makes me sad, but helping them makes me feel happy," said Heaven Cunigan. "In the book we are reading, many people in the districts need help, and we get to see how other characters choose to help them."
Cooper Rentz said the project means a lot because he likes helping his community when people are in need.
"When we work together, we can get more done," added Noah Simon.
Community members can contribute to The Hunger Games project at change boxes in the following locations:
Dayton: Dollar General, Skoglund Auto & Power, Oak Park and the Dayton Public Library.
Gowrie: Market on Market, Gowrie Chiropractic and Mulligans.
Paton: The Pit Stop and 209 Main.
Lehigh: Riverside Tap.
Harcourt: Sparky's.
Farnhamville: Security Savings Bank and the Farnhamville Library.
Callender and Somers: Heartland Bank.
Coalville: Coalville Stop N'Shop.
Stratford: Copperhead Saloon and the Stratford Country Store & Gas Station.
For seventh grader Aubrey Nelson, participating in The Hunger Games means having a chance to put the book's lessons into practice.
"I'm really grateful that we get a chance to do this project to help kids and adults in our communities get the food and hygiene products they need," said Nelson. "I love that we get to change the world by being a part of this project. We are like the real-life Peeta, but instead of helping Katniss (the main character of our book), we are helping the people in our communities."
"This project is important to do because it shows people they are cared about when they are in need of help," added Jemma Williams.