Lincoln High Cheerleader Food Drive

In Ellwood City, the cheerleaders from Lincoln High School came together last month to hold a food drive in hopes of being able to give back to the community amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our girls are very giving and they have such big hearts,” said Christie Bukowski.

Bukowski is the president of the Varsity and Jr. High Cheerleaders at Ellwood City.

From the start of May until the beginning of June the cheerleaders had a box in Loccisano’s where people could donate food. The food would then make its way to the Holy Redeemer Food Bank and then to those who need it most. Joe Dicerbo, father to one of the cheerleaders, made the box the team used for their donations.

“It makes me feel great that we have such nice people in our neighborhoods and community to help others out, and even to come help Loccisanos business out,”  Senior Tarah Barton said. Barton has also worked as a cashier at Loccisanos for a little over a year, and she says she couldn’t be more thankful for who she works for.

Bukowski gives the girls the credit for the idea. She said that with the quarantine, the team was struggling to figure out what to do for fundraising.

“It was such a great opportunity to be able to help and provide for our small town community.” Senior Abbi Dambach said, “With everything going on with the pandemic, I think that all of the food will truly help families in need.”

Ellwood has always held food drives and has a few local food banks, so when a crisis arose and there was a new, larger, need for these types of resources, the girls jumped on the opportunity to give back to their community. These tough times literally hit home for these girls.

“I think it’s awesome that we were able to give back to the community when times are tough, especially since the community gives so much to us.” 2021 senior Lexie Bukowski said. “I hope it’s something that the underclassmen continue after I graduate.”