At Wickersham Elementary School, learning takes many shapes. Sometimes it looks like reading groups or science experiments. And sometimes it looks like a classroom filled with bags of rice, dried beans, spices, teas, and cooking oils carried in by second graders who want their neighbors to feel supported.
Wickersham’s second grade team led a school-wide donation effort for CWS Lancaster, an organization that welcomes refugees, immigrants, and humanitarian newcomers to the community. What began as a project-based learning assignment quickly became something larger, pulling in teachers, families, and students across the school.
Second grade teacher Miriam Melendez-Swinton shared how the idea took root.
“We were looking for a project-based learning activity that would connect to our social studies unit around community needs and wants,” she explained. “Years ago, a former student and I organized Thanksgiving dinners for Wickersham families as part of an act of kindness project. When I saw that CWS was asking for donations for their food pantry, the pieces came together. It felt like the right project for right now.”
This year brought new challenges for many local families. Funding to support refugee households was reduced, and SNAP benefits were paused at the same time national policy changes made food support unavailable to newly arrived neighbors. Wickersham teachers saw an opportunity not only to teach, but to act.
“All of second grade joined in, and soon donations were coming from across the building,” Miriam said. “We talked with students about why these items matter. We chose foods that were culturally familiar to the families served by CWS, things like dried beans, seasonings, rice, oils, teas, and coffee. We wanted students to understand that giving isn’t just about filling a shelf. It’s about recognizing someone’s culture, their comfort, their memories.”
As the boxes filled, teachers used the moment to deepen student learning. Earlier this fall, the second graders met local designer and former WICK parent, Janell Almodovar, who visited the school to talk about economics through the lens of community, time, talent, and treasure. She shared her experience running a small business, raising a family, and reinvesting in the community that shaped her.
“That lesson came back during this project,” Miriam said. “Students remembered that everyone has different ways they can give. For them, it was bringing food. For Janell, it was sharing her creativity and entrepreneurship. For others, it may be time or kindness. Students realized they are part of a bigger picture.”
When the donations were delivered to CWS Lancaster, staff invited the students to see the organization’s newly launched food pantry. For many of them, it was the first time seeing how a community support system works.
Rachel Helwig, a representative from CWS, and her team greeted the students with gratitude.
“We launched this food pantry less than a month ago,” she said. “When we learned that newly arrived families would no longer qualify for SNAP, and at the same time that SNAP payments were paused, there was so much fear. Families weren’t sure how they would stay healthy or feed their children. This donation matters more than the students know.”
She also emphasized what makes Lancaster unique. “This community has a long history of welcoming families who are rebuilding their lives. Today showed that the next generation already understands that caring for one another is part of who we are. These kids saw a need and stepped up.”
Rachel shared ways the community can continue to support CWS. Food donations, financial contributions, and volunteer support help keep the pantry stocked and the work sustainable. But she also highlighted something even simpler.
“We can continue being kind,” she said. “Say hello to someone who looks new to Lancaster. Don’t be afraid to learn someone’s story. And remember we all want the same things. To be safe. To belong. To raise our kids in a place where they feel healthy and hopeful.”
For the students, the lessons learned go far beyond one project. They learned how to recognize a need. How to mobilize their peers. How their actions directly impact others. And how being part of a community means caring for those who share it.
“This project taught them character,” Miriam said. “It helped them understand what it means to give back to the same community that supports them every day.”
Wickersham’s donation wasn’t measured by weight or number of items. It was measured by empathy and teamwork. It showed that even our youngest learners can influence the world around them.
This is the kind of learning that defines the School District of Lancaster. It reflects our values, our commitment to service, and our belief that students grow when they are invited to make a difference.
This week, Wickersham students didn’t just learn about community.
They lived it.
