December, 2002
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt.1301

Ulster BOCES Criminal Justice instructor J.H. Ingellis says the philosophy behind his students organizing a volunteer holiday food drive is to teach them the importance of working with people in society. “Most of these students will be going into the law enforcement field and becoming police officers, peace officers, etc., where they will be dealing with a variety of people in the community. Taking lead roles in activities such as the food drive not only teaches them the importance of community service, but they also learn how to inform others of the need for such events and motivate them to help others who are in need through giving.”

One student, from Wallkill Central School District, was busy loading up the People’s Place van with the donated food items. “I brought in a lot of food,” he claimed proudly. “I think it is good to help people who are less fortunate. If I were in their shoes, I’d want someone to help me.”

Another student from Kingston City Schools Consolidated, wholeheartedly agreed with his fellow classmate. “I was happy to donate food. I think this whole drive is just amazing. I believe teenagers get a bad rap and people think we do not care about others in our community, but we do and this is a good way for us to show it. And I am happy to be part of it.”

A student who is a senior at New Paltz Central School District, was busy organizing the boxes in the van and smiled as a turkey was added to the collection. “I think the food drive is a great idea,” he said. “If I needed help, I hope there would be someone out there who would want to help. There shouldn’t be anybody going hungry, especially during the holidays.”

Bob Johnson, a volunteer with People’s Place, came to the Career & Technical Center to pick up the donated food and was filled with emotion as the students loaded the boxes and bags of food items into his van. “Each year these students take the time to sponsor a food drive and help out those in this area who are in need of food at Thanksgiving time,” stated Johnson, adding, “It makes me feel so good that these kids are doing something for others. And they did it because they wanted to. It’s a wonderful thing they did here.” ”