The Brawley Union High School District (BUHSD) Community School Program spread holiday cheer this November by providing Thanksgiving meals to 30 families across the district. The effort was part of their Holiday Food Drive Challenge, which ran from November 3rd through November 17th and united students, staff, and community partners in a shared mission of giving.
The Community Schools initiative focuses on bringing together students, families, and staff to build connection, support, and shared success across our district. This year, the program has hosted events that bring people together, but November’s food drive stood out as a powerful example of collaboration and compassion.
Community School Coordinator Dalia Escutia organized the drive, encouraging students at Brawley Union High School and Desert Valley High School to collect canned goods. To make the effort fun and engaging, BUHS students participated in a classroom competition, bringing donations to their tutorial classes. Community School Ambassadors also visited classrooms to promote the challenge, resulting in more than 20 classes signing up to contribute.
Students collected non-perishable items such as stuffing, canned green beans, and other holiday staples. These donations were organized and distributed to families in need, helping stock the campus food pantry and ensuring that BUHSD families could enjoy a holiday meal together.
The success of the food drive was made possible not only by students and staff but also by generous community partners:
Brawley Walmart and Little Sparrows Inc. who donated turkeys.
Lifted Up Living provided delicious pies.
ARC Afterschool Program who gifted arts and crafts kits for families.
The MOT Department, Facilities Department, and Security Team offered support with logistics.
Together, these efforts showcased the true meaning of community. With the generosity of local organizations and the dedication of BUHSD students and staff, the Holiday Food Drive not only met its goal but also highlighted the district’s commitment to caring for families in need.
