In 2009 when the economy declined drastically, Crop monetary funds also declined, but one area that didn't go down was the donation of food to feed hungry neighbors. Our food collection jumped from 8,000 lbs to 11,000 and stayed there for several years. This year a new record of over 13,000 lbs. was set with an extra big helping hand from Rumson Country Day School. RCDS efforts led by Headmaster Chad Small, Jane Denny and Tom Hall, brought in a record amount of 5,200 lbs. We recognize and appreciate this outstanding contribution. It sets an example for other participating groups as it shows what can be accomplished when a program sets specific goals and offers incentives to contribute toward meeting those goals.
Rumson Country Day incorporates Red Bank CROP Walk into the yearly planning of school activities. They set specific goals to encourage student participation for the hunger walk. Even the School Science Head, Jeff Garside, has a big task on Crop Walk Day. Headmaster Chad Small, with teachers Jane Denny and Tom Hall work as a team encouraging school involvement. After delivering and unloading the food at Red Bank Regional High School, Chad Small takes it a step further and moves on to the start line. He has his own personal goal...he runs the walk too! 
Our 17 Local Partners are more grateful than ever this year for the increase in food donations. They came to the agencies at a time that made all the food readily available when Super Storm Sandy hit the Jersey Shore area. CROP Walks help to STOP Hunger. They provide immediate assistance to local food pantries. They provide funds to help our partners to continue helping local families and they provide support to Church World Service global programs.
Jane Denny, service coordinator for RCDS in her own words talks about building a successful model which has grown each year! Jane attributes familiarity and commitment to the food collection project with motivating the kids each year.
Several steps are involved with their program.
1.The food drive is organized on a homeroom by homeroom basis.
2.Students and teachers keep track of the donations by weight - making it a great math project.
3.Community Service Leadership Board members (students) are sent to the lower school classes to teach a lesson on hunger during the drive.
4.The teachers have really gotten on board and encourage their classes with some friendly competition. Their goal is to always exceed the previous year as a community.
5.The teachers and students talk about nutritional qualities of rice and beans and the cultural connection to the Latino community.
6.The upper school and lower school homerooms who are the winners (largest collection by weight) share a pizza party.
7.The football team comes to load the food in the cars on the day of the walk.
What's next? RCDS has already set a goal for 2013 to collect 3 tons of food!
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