The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
VVS recognizes ways community has come together to lift up others
The Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School district recognized the community and their recent efforts to come together and lift each other up during difficult times.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about massive changes in the way we learn, work, shop, and live. One thing that has not changed though, is the willingness of those in the V VS community to reach out to others and take care of their fellow community members,” school officials wrote.
VVS faculty, staff, families, as well as local businesses and organizations have lent a helping hand to those in need over the past several months, and the district thanks those who have volunteered, and continue to volunteer, their time, talent, and treasure in this endeavor.
VVS outlined a few noteworthy examples of such community generosity, including:
• The VVS FFA donated all of the pork products from their last pig projects to the Verona Food Pantry. Donations included pork loins, roasts, and ribs. Mr. Mark
Peavey delivered the donations on behalf of the chapter, which was gratefully received by Mrs. Linda Finnerty. The chapter’s donation will help families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• VVS faculty, staff, and community members donated over $2,100 for high school senior celebrations, which included lawn signs, banners, senior gift bags, and special events to commemorate our seniors’ educational careers.
• The Oneida County Dairy Farmers gave away more than 1,800 gallons of milk to VVS families and community members.
• Wagner Farms donated more than 2,000 bags of popcorn to VVS students receiving meals.
• Giovanni’s Pizzeria donated over 300 pizzas to families receiving meals.
• The VVS athletic coaches raised and donated $1,620 for local food pantries.
• The Vernon Verona Sherrill Teachers’ Association donated $1,500 to the community food banks ($750 to the Holy Family Food Pantry and $750 to the Verona Food Pantry).
• The VVS FFA donated the supplies for the senior breakfast, and provided the equipment for
the event. They also helped organize the event with the help of the VVS FFA Agriculture Booster Club, and VVS high school faculty, staff, and food services.
• More than 50 VVS employees volunteered their time to help prepare, pack, and deliver meals to our students. As of July 8, the district reported to have delivered over 80,000 meals to families in need, and will continue this food service
throughout the summer months.
• Over 200 VVS faculty and staff members volunteered to organize and participate in student celebration events across the district, creating happy memories and memorable send-offs for students and
their families.
VVS said they are grateful to all of their students, faculty, staff, families and community members for their support and assistance during this challenging time, concluding, “VVS is truly a great place to learn, to work, and to live.”