Get ready for a Bills visit to OPHS! After winning 2nd Place last year in the Huddle for Hunger food drive, students were pumped to participate in the challenge again, this time donating enough to win 1st Place. And with the Class of 2025 donating the most, they will get to pick a fun costume for Mr.Pafk to wear for a whole day!
The Huddle for Hunger challenge is a food drive held by FeedMore WNY, which has partnered with the Buffalo Bills, Wegmans, and local schools, such as Orchard Park High School, to collect non-perishable food donations to help address childhood hunger.
Senior Sophia Bystrak donated to the effort. “During my volunteer work, I’ve been exposed to the food problems here in WNY,” said Bystrak when asked if she’s ever noticed a food problem in WNY.
This was OPHS’s 4th year participating. Both non-perishable food items and cash donations were collected until the end of the school day on September 17. In years past, the deadline was much later, but even with the quicker deadline, approximately 1,000 cans were collected.
Luke Lippet, STAP Comm President, explained how the event was so successful given the short amount of time: This year “we really emphasized the use of social media to hype up the event and by educating everyone on the importance of participating.”
“I really like supporting it, because knowing I’m helping other people boosted my mood,” said Julia Kain when asked what motivated her to donate. Ava Petit would agree. “It feels good to be giving back, and it’s cool to see all the school spirit,” said Pettit.
Also, STAP Comm’s incorporation of a class competition really brought out the competitiveness of students, helping to increase the amount of donations. This all helped bring success in a very limited time.
There was a lot of excitement surrounding the day of drop-off, and everyone enjoyed seeing all of the other participating schools. All donations were dropped off to the Highmark Stadium parking lot by STAP Comm members, Orchard Park teachers, and the school’s mascot Opie. A few Bills players were available to help unload.
So when are the Bills going to visit OPHS? As of right now, the details aren’t entirely sorted out, but the visit will likely be in the spring during the Bills’ postseason.
