Through a partnership with the Ben Curtis Foundation, Streetsboro City School provided holiday meals and personalized gifts to 31 children from nine families this year through the A Very Merry Dinner program. The initiative supports families already receiving weekend food assistance, ensuring children experience the joy of the holiday season.
"When I say this program is my favorite thing I do, I mean it is my favorite thing I do in the district," said Streetsboro City Schools Social Worker Samantha Cassel. "Parents cry, hug, laugh and say thank you countless times. It's a truly humbling experience."
The district has partnered with the Ben Curtis Foundation since the 2021-2022 school year, beginning with 100 weekend food bags monthly through the foundation’s Birdie Bag program. That support has now grown to 300 bags per month, serving roughly 80 students and over 40 families throughout the year.
"I am continuously impressed by and thankful for the Ben Curtis Foundation's willingness to work collaboratively and openly with us to ensure our students and their families are having their needs met, as that is the true goal of our partnership,” said Cassel.
The A Very Merry Dinner program extends that support during the holidays. Participating families receive holiday meal items, including non-perishables and their choice of frozen turkey or vegetarian option. Each child creates a personalized wishlist through an online portal, selecting four items they need and four they want, ranging from dolls and sports equipment to gaming accessories and Kindles. The foundation delivered everything pre-wrapped and organized by family.
Privacy and dignity remain paramount throughout the process. Cassel schedules individual appointment times for families to pick up items at a discreet location, always checking for additional needs or concerns. For weekly Birdie Bag distributions, students choose their preferred method, whether receiving bags at day’s end in their lockers or during the school day.
This partnership reflects Streetsboro’s broader commitment to student and family wellness. The district also partners with St. Joan of Arc church for its Community Christmas event and conducts multiple donation drives each fall and winter, including the recent SOCKtober drive that collected 1,186 pairs of socks this year.
"I wish the community would know just how passionate our district is about supporting not just our students and families, but the entire community," said Cassel. "These initiatives and programs cannot exist without donations, and our district staff and families are always eager and willing to chip in."
The combined efforts demonstrate Streetsboro's commitment to ensuring every student has the support they need both inside and outside the classroom. Looking ahead, Cassel hopes to expand participation in the program to serve more families receiving Birdie Bags throughout the year.