DOWNEY – Over the holiday season, Warren High School collected a total of 38,129 cans that were donated to the Downey Council PTA H.E.L.P.S. (Health Education Local Pantry Service) program. 

This collection was a joint effort of the entire school as it involved every teacher, staff member and student on campus.

“It was remarkable to see the generosity and selflessness of our staff members and students,” expressed Samantha Sears, the Activities Director at Warren. “We sincerely hope that this donation makes an instrumental difference in the lives of our Downey family members!”

This three-week Canned Food Drive was made up of many competitive components; however, the ultimate motivation was the true desire to help those who are less fortunate.

Mr. Paul Tse, science teacher whose class finished in third place in the Canned Food Drive, asserts, “I was floored by the generosity of my students.” Mrs. Karen Kozhaya, English teacher and taking first place in the Canned Food Drive, furthers that sentiment by saying, “This is a true testament to our students’ generosity and the teachers who encourage acts of kindness.” 

Finally, Mr. Rob English, math teacher and runner-up, sums it up best when he affirms, “The biggest winners are the members of our community who are in need. Our Warren family stepped up big time and answered the call and I couldn’t be more proud to be a Bear!”

Located at the Barbara J. Riley Community/Senior Center, the Downey Council PTA H.E.L.P.S. program is run completely by volunteers and the office itself is operated by PTA members. This program is possible through the dedication of individuals that are members of the PTA programs within the Downey Unified School District, the City of Downey, community organizations, businesses, and individual citizens who offer their support throughout the year providing generous donations of financial aid, non-perishable foods and service hours. 

Their clients must live in the City of Downey or have a student(s) enrolled in the Downey Unified School District. The purpose of the PTA H.E.L.P.S. program is to provide temporary emergency aid by providing food which is distributed throughout the year. Approximately 600 families are aided during the year and any one household can be helped once every other month.

For more information about the Downey Council PTA H.E.L.P.S. program, please visit; pta.dusd.net/org/helps.htm