“It was an absolute success and the true epitome of a community event,” said Bunker Hill Middle teacher Heather Finn of the annual Helping Hands Hoagie sale.
The feeling of community, togetherness and volunteerism converged on Feb. 8, as the Washington Township School District hosted its 32nd annual Helping Hands Hoagie Sale.
Held annually on Super Bowl Sunday, the sale benefits township residents facing medical setbacks.
Before the sun even rose, volunteers flooded the township high school, donned hats and hair nets and started putting together hoagies. By 8 a.m., 3,260 of them were ready for pre-order pickup and day-of sales.Â
Over the span of a month, the Hoagie Sale Committee met weekly to ensure deadlines were met. The sale was organized by Charlie Doud, Washington Township Education Foundation president and retired township student data coordinator; Bunker Hill Middle School teacher and Interact Club advisor Heather Finn; and retired school secretary Theresa Saponara. The group also secured donations.
High-school teachers Deanna Ettore and Natalie O’Brien were in charge of remote sales with students. Education Foundation co-vice president Tiffany Orihel also helped secure donations. School community outreach director Mike D’Ostilio and foundation co-vice president Heather Sullivan were in charge of publicity. And middle-school FutureActs advisors Finn, Maddy Kubik, Amy Leso and Amanda Dacquisto ensured student volunteers were secured.
District maintenance supervisor Jeff Walter and food service manager Jennifer Mullin rounded out the committee to make sure everything was prepared the day of the event. That preparation made the sale the easiest part of the entire operation. Hoagies flew out the door, while volunteers tirelessly worked to make everyone’s experience positive.
“We sold around 2,600 hoagies when all was said and done,” Finn said. “It was an absolute success and the true epitome of a community event.”
The extra hoagies were donated to homeless shelters.
“We were so grateful to have such a large turnout of people coming together to support our community members struggling with financial issues due to medical illness,” Finn added. “Students, teachers, parents, administrators, school board members, firefighters, our superintendent, the police chief, town council (members) and even the mayor rolled out of bed early to pull together and make a true difference for our community.
“It’s a true honor to be a part of such an amazing event.”
