‘Fill the Fridge,’ support local teachers

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While many jobs allow time for employees to run to a convenient store or fast-food restaurant for a mid-day snack or treat during the day, teachers and school administrators don’t always have that privilege.

Students Against Destructive Decisions at Pampa High School are working to offer a type of solution through the “Fill the Fridge” initiative, which aims to have food donated to the teachers’ lounges at all six Pampa campuses.

“It’s a way to focus on teachers and school staff and show them support,” Pampa High School social worker Suzanne Pingel said. “I don’t know that everyone realizes the different stresses teachers go through, especially since Covid.

“All of the different rules, regulations, expectations and on top of that their own personal stresses. It may sound simple, and it is, but anyone can bring a six-pack of cokes or 12-pack of waters for a teacher to be able to get a quick break. It may sound not important, but that may be their only time to say, ‘Okay, I can sit down and relax for a couple of minutes.’”

Pingel added many schools don’t have vending machines. Any item is welcome to treat teachers and school administrators.

“We are encouraging our students, community members, parents, grandparents, etc. to do that,” Pingel said. “If they drive by the school every day, even if they don’t have kids in the district, we encourage them to drop off a six-pack of cokes or a case of water.”

The initiative will continue through the end of February and that week SADD students will take the products to each campus.

SADD students do a variety of community projects throughout the year.

“We have groups that help with Snack Pack 4 Kids, Wheel Times, Meals on Wheels and educate and encourage students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol,” Pingel said. “I think this falls right in line. Whenever younger kids see older kids participate in events like this, it just helps them know it’s the cool thing to do and the right thing to do.”

Those interested in participating in “Fill the Fridge” can call Pampa High School at 806-669-4800.