Woodhaven, MI – October 1, 2024 – The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District has a long-standing partnership with the Woodhaven Kiwanis Club. This week, on October 1, we kicked off the 27th Annual "An Apple for Ryan" food drive. This important event, held in memory of Ryan Sergent, will bring together students, staff, and community members to help support local food pantries in the Downriver area during a time of increased need.
Ryan Sergent, a senior at Flat Rock High School whose life was tragically cut short in 1997, left behind a legacy of kindness and a commitment to helping others. "An Apple for Ryan" was created to honor his memory and continues to provide much-needed food to families facing food insecurity in our community. As the summer months leave pantry shelves bare and COVID-related funding runs out, the demand for assistance has significantly increased.
This year, all schools within the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District are participating in the food drive. Students and staff are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, with a special focus on kid-friendly foods, to their school buildings between October 1 and October 11, 2024.
"October is a critical time for Downriver food pantries," said Paul Elsey from Woodhaven Kiwanis. "Pantry shelves are empty after the long summer, and the next major food donation won't come until Thanksgiving. We are deeply grateful to the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District for their participation and to all community members who donate during this drive."
To ensure a diverse selection for the pantries, collected items will be randomly packed so that each food pantry receives a well-balanced assortment of donations. Kiwanis volunteers will pick up the donations from schools on the morning of Friday, October 11th, and will deliver them to local food pantries the following day.
The Woodhaven Kiwanis Club invites community members to join them for the delivery event on Saturday, October 12th. Volunteers will meet at the WBSD Support Service Building at 8 a.m. and will return by noon. Those interested in volunteering should reserve a spot by texting 734-771-0552.
Together, we can make a difference for families in need and continue the legacy of kindness that Ryan embodied. Every donation counts, and the district is excited to contribute to such an impactful cause.