Do you want to help make your community a better place? We have just the thing for you! Every year, the local community comes together to host the annual Community Round-Up at Coginchaug Regional High School. Even the smallest of donations help make the community a better place.

The annual Community Round Up began 20 years ago thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Sinusus and Mrs. Bottini. This year, DECA took charge of its operations, and hopes to do the actual ‘Round Up’ part of it next year, which includes going house to house to collect donations, for the first time since Covid. DECA is a business centered club available to all Coginchaug students and currently, Mr. Donecker manages the club. Even before taking charge of the Community Round Up, DECA, among other clubs and organizations, helped out. In a student interview with Mr. Donecker, he discussed creating promotional videos with the video production class in previous years. That is just one of the many ways in which one can get involved in making the Community Round Up all the more successful. 

Donations of foods, most of which are canned goods, with some other necessities such as toilet paper, paper towels, and soap are collected from both Durham and Middlefield residents. They are then donated to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown. According to Mr. Doneker, “It is typically their largest donation of the year and it is especially important this time of year.” With everyone in the community pitching in, the community was able to bring in over 10,500 pounds of food and over $2,100 in cash and gift card donations during last year’s Community Round Up. Such generous donations of food and money help many families and individuals in need. What is collected varies, but regardless of whether it is soup or soap, it gives many the chance at easier access to food and the things that should not be a struggle, but a resource all have access to.

This year’s Community Round Up is being held on Saturday, November 15th from 9am-12pm at the Coginchaug drop off area. Students, teachers, and community members are all welcome to volunteer or donate. This year, volunteers will unload cars and package the donated items to be dropped off at food pantries. Mr. Donecker says that in the future, DECA hopes to go back to the actual ‘Round Up’, where there will be even more volunteer opportunities like collecting donations in the community.

This Saturday will mark the 20th year of a tradition that has held the community together ever since it began. It always feels good to be a part of something greater, and what could be a better way to do that than helping those in need? Coginchaug students, get involved! Signing up for a volunteer shift through DECA is a great place to start. You may not be able to this year, but take it into consideration and we hope to see you in future years! Parents, guardians, and any other adults, your help is just as valuable. This entire event would not be possible without you. A few spare cans of sauce or a box of cereal untouched in the pantry? Bring it to the high school on  Saturday! Remember, even the smallest contributions matter!