Contributed by Heathwood HallEpiscopal School

Fifth graders Sallie Taylor (left) and Caitlin Harriford participate in Heathwood Hall’s Turkey Trot–a–thon fundraiser for Harvest Hope Food Bank. Fifth through eighth grade students and faculty collectively logged 1,390 miles and raised more than $13,000 to help the food bank with its holiday collection efforts. Through some creative fundraising efforts this fall, students at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School have raised a total of $13,612 for Harvest Hope Food Bank. The money will be used to purchase holiday turkeys for families in need and support the food bank’s holiday food efforts.

To raise money, fifth through eighth graders and faculty at the middle school participated in a Turkey Trot–a–thon on November 22. Participants walked a total of 1,390 miles, far exceeding the projected total of 350 miles. Funds were collected for each mile walked or run by the students.

“The board and staff of Harvest Hope Food Bank have expressed publicly their gratitude, naming Heathwood Hall as the single largest donor this year in its holiday food efforts,” said Associate Head of School and Intermediate-Middle School Head Anne Weston. “We have fully replaced a $10,000 donation they used to receive annually for the purchase of holiday turkeys. We are so thankful for each of the children who did their part to make a huge difference for those who are hungry in the Midlands.”

“Heathwood was the biggest financial donor of the day,” said Emily Crow, PR/Events coordinator for Harvest Hope Food Bank. “I was blown away by how hard the kids worked. I definitely want to thank them for all they have done.”