Randolph Students Bake Bread To Thank Morris Co. First Responders

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Randolph Students put together an event this week to thank first responders for their service to Morris County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Randolph High School Culinary Arts Department students made 150 loaves of bread to be given away to members of the sheriff's staff, emergency personnel, and healthcare providers.

The exchange happened at the Morris County COVID-19 Regional Vaccination Center in Rockaway Township.

“We are handing out the bread as a thank you to the first responders for all the work they did during the pandemic, and the work they continue to do," said Chef Thomas J. Povinelli, the Culinary Arts Instructor at Randolph High.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Deputy Director Deborah Smith met Tuesday with the students and Povinelli and Instructor Karen GaNung in their classroom, where they loaded up some of the bread before making their deliveries.

“I want to thank all of you on behalf of Morris County for your donation and your hard work. Every one of these loaves of bread are beautiful and appreciated. They go to the hearts of everyone,” Smith said.

“Acts of kindness like this go a long way,” Gannon added.

The Randolph culinary program provides classes for all high school levels and collaborates with
elementary and special needs programs throughout each school year. The students often donate the food they prepare to area food banks, but the pandemic forced them to stop for a while.