'Empty Bowls Dinner' Keeps QV Students Involved in Community Service

Starting in kindergarten, students in the learn to help others at school and participate in community service projects. This year, students and staff have committed their efforts to the Empty Bowls Dinner.

The supper is scheduled from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday during parent-teacher conferences. This allows parents to stop and eat or pick up soup for takeout as they attend meetings with teachers. Parents are encouraged to bring canned goods for a food drive, which is scheduled for the same week.

The goal is to raise money for local food banks and pantries while reminding participants of the ongoing needs of hungry people, particularly during these economic times.

A meal of soup, apple, bread, drink and cookies along with a handmade bowl is given to each person who donates $10. Everyone from elementary students to middle school Art Club students have pitched in to help create the bowls. Donors keep their bowls as a reminder of the plight of the hungry.

Local restaurants provide the soups free of charge. Other menu items and paper goods are donated or underwritten by community members.

“Everyone is getting involved,” said Robin Russell, high school art teacher and chairwoman.

To make a donation, place a reservation or order soup for takeout, email Robyn Russell at russellr@qvsd.org and put “Empty Bowls” in the subject line. Click here for more information.