The annual BC Caring and Sharing Program is underway with schools collecting food donations and grocery gift cards.

The Bethlehem Central School District organizes and runs this program with one goal in mind: to assist families in the school community who may be struggling to make ends meet by providing food and grocery gift cards for the December holiday break and throughout the school year.  

“Caring and Sharing is an annual event that helps us provide all children with what they need to make every day successful,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “The district works with families to find available resources to help cover the cost of things like food, toiletries, and school supplies for our students. Each year, we have found great support for Caring and Sharing from students, staff, families, businesses and other community partners who are always here to lend a helping hand.”

Each school in the district collects certain food items in late November and early December. High school students organize the items into holiday bags that are distributed to families before the December holiday break. Community members and businesses also donate to support Caring and Sharing. 

Superintendent Monroe said everyone at one time or another may experience periods of economic stress that are unexpected and overwhelming. However, the lingering effects of the pandemic and the rising cost of food and other necessities have made the past few years especially difficult.

“Every school in Bethlehem has staff who can help connect families with resources all year long,” said Superintendent Monroe. “We want our families to be aware that their schools are here to help. Caring and Sharing helps us to get that message out there.”

Information can be found below as to how families, businesses and community members can donate to Caring and Sharing and/or how to participate as a recipient family.

BC Caring and Sharing – PARTICIPATE

• If you are a family in the district who could use assistance this year or you know of a district family that could benefit, please reach out to your a school nurse or school counselor. Families who enroll will receive the donated food and gift cards as part of the 2024 BC Caring and Sharing Day on Saturday, December 14. 

BC Caring and Sharing – DONATE

• All schools are collecting shelf-stable food items to support the BC Caring and Sharing Program through Dec. 12, 2024. View the list below for the list of items your child’s school will be collecting. (Some schools are using a classroom-specific donation list so if you have questions about what to donate, please reach out to your child’s school.)  There will also be a “Drive Up, Drop Off” day for food donations at the high school on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• If you are a community member or business who would like to make a cash or gift card donation, please contact Sherri Fitzpatrick in the district’s Student Support Services department at 518-439-8886 or by email at sfitzpatrick2@bethlehemschools.org

What items are being collected?

• Rice
• Dry pasta
• Pasta/Spaghetti sauce
• Instant potatoes
• Brownie mix
• Canned vegetable (beans, peas, corn)
• Cookie mix
• Canned fruit (peaches, pears, etc.)
• Peanut butter
• Fruit cocktail
• Grape jelly
• Stuffing mix (pork, chicken, turkey)
• Pudding mix
• Bisquick
• Canned soup (tomato, chicken noodle, etc.)
• Breakfast cereal
• Canned tuna fish
• Dried fruits
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Boxed tissues