Students at Akiva learn lessons and charity

Staff report

Youngstown

Akiva Academy second-grade teacher Tina While used this year’s Second Harvest Food Bank Food Drive as a way to teach her class math, money and shopping skills as well as a sense of charity.

In addition to dry goods, the 10 second-graders brought in change from home through March. At the end of the month, they counted their collection and walked to the Great East Plaza Stop and Shop to use the $200 collected to buy goods to donate.

“I think it was most effective because the children have the chance to pay attention to how much food items cost and what items would be appropriate to fill a pantry for a needy family,” While said.

“Many students had no idea how far they could make the money go by comparing prices and bargain shopping.”

At Akiva, the food drive is paired with the school celebration of the Jewish festival of Purim. Purim celebrates the story of the Book of Esther where Queen Esther saved the Jews of Persia from destruction at the hands of Haman.