Berlin Middle Schoolers 'Pay It Forward' With Charity Drive

BERLIN, CT —In her 1999 novel "Pay it Forward," author Catherine Ryan Hyde tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who sets out to change the world by doing good deeds for people, and then asking them to carry on the kindness to others.

Inspired by the book, and the concept of paying it forward, a book club of approximately 10 sixth graders from Berlin's McGee Middle School recently organized a collection of supplies for the Berlin Food Pantry. The group is hoping their efforts will motivate others to lend a helping hand at a time when many communities find themselves in need due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Over two weeks, the book club collected non-perishable canned goods, personal-hygiene products and monetary donations from students, staff and faculty. Dave Holland, an art teacher at McGee who served as support for the student-led drive, said the group collected 16 boxes full of items.

"They read the book and discussed the meaning, and that moved them to act," Holland said. "The students wanted to help out and they saw a need in the community. They wanted to do something. Now, more than ever, they felt the community needed something positive. As a group, they got together to help others."

Holland said the drive took about a week to organize. It was held over two weeks in order to give all students a chance to donate. McGee students currently are alternating weeks in the school due to the pandemic.