The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
‘Crock Pot Grant’ helps Oberlin Schools families
Throughout the morning of Feb. 23, Oberlin High School teachers made their way through the community dropping off what some may consider a unique item — a crock pot.
While not all families were given a crock pot, those who did receive the item, also received a key recipe for the remaining winter weeks - chili! Specifically, vegetarian chili, plus a bag of groceries with the chili ingredients.
According to Oberlin High School Art Teacher Donna Shurr, she obtained the grant from the Oberlin Schools Endowment Board. Shurr said the distribution of the crock pots was meant to be completed in the Spring 2020, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, changes had to be made. Originally students would sign up to come to a food preparation to watch a cooking demonstration, including a discussion on nutritional health.
“The grant was an Interact Club and Sustainability Club joint venture to promote healthy vegetarian eating,” Shurr said. “The grant funded 20 crock pots, and in cooperation with Oberlin Community Services, food for a vegetarian recipe.”
On Tuesday, 10 crock pots were delivered to random families within the District.
“We are starting with 10 crock pots; and that means we have 10 more to give away at a later date,” Shurr said. “I delivered a crock pot today to a senior who was so happy and surprised to receive it, along with the recipe and ingredients. She is looking forward to making the vegetarian chili and using i-Learning to use the crock pot as she balances her schedule with work and school.”
Oberlin High School Interact Advisor Sarah Colson reassured families that all precautions were taken in purchasing groceries and preparing the bags. Packing surfaces were sanitized, and masks and gloves were worn during preparation.
“Oberlin High School student Katherine Doane helped get everything together for the groceries; and she put together spiced bags with pre-measured amounts ready for the chili and bags with five cloves of garlic,” Colson said.
Shurr said she is very grateful for the support of the Oberlin Schools Endowment Board throughout her tenure as a teacher and Interact Club Advisor.
“They have provided financial support for numerous opportunities for the enrichment of classroom curriculum and service outreach by the Interact Club,” Shurr said.
“The Oberlin Schools Endowment Board relies on the generous support of the community. The work of the Endowment Board is so important and the continued support of the community is so much appreciated.”