Volunteers flooded the township high school, donning hats and hair nets, to put together foot-long hoagies on Super Bowl Sunday. The sale benefits township residents facing medical setbacks,
The feeling of community, togetherness and volunteerism converged on Feb. 9 as the township school district hosted its 31st annual Helping Hands Hoagie Sale.
Held annually on Super Bowl Sunday, the sale benefits township residents facing medical setbacks, according to a district press release.
Before the sun even rose, volunteers flooded Washington Township High School, donned hats and hair nets, and started putting together foot-long hoagies and hoagie trays. By 10 a.m., nearly 3,000 sandwiches were made and ready for pre-order pickup, as well as for day-of sales.
The hoagie sale committee met weekly in the past month to ensure deadlines were met. Bunker Hill Middle School teacher Heather Finn and retired township high school secretary Theresa Saponara organized much of the event and secured donations. The president of the township’s Education Foundation, Tiffany Orihel, worked with board of education member Carol Chila to secure donations and volunteers.
High-school teachers Deanna Ettore and Kevin MacNamara were in charge of the remote sales with students. School Community Outreach Director Mike D’Ostilio and foundation vice president Heather Sullivan were in charge of publicity. And middle-school FutureActs advisors Maddy Kubik, Finn and Amanda Dacquisto ensured student volunteers were secured at the middle level.
District maintenance supervisor Jeff Walter and food service manager Jennifer Mullin rounded out the committee, making sure everything was prepared the day of the event. That was the the easiest part of the entire operation. Hoagies flew out the door, while volunteers tirelessly worked to make everyone’s experience positive.
“What a testimony to what we are all about,” said school Superintendent Eric Hibbs, who was on hand to help make hoagies. “Feeling the positive energy and getting to take part in this phenomenal tradition was incredibly rewarding. We’re doing amazing things in Washington Township, and this is one of the greatest examples of that.
“We have so much to be proud of.”
The district recognized a number of organizations and individuals who helped with the sale, including Joe and Eleanor Bollendorf, who organized the deli meat slicers on Friday night; township fire department Capt. Danny Pacewicz, who put together a group of firefighters to slice lettuce, cheese, and other meats early on Sunday morning; and Scott Resse of Lipman Farms for donating lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
