Empty bowls fill hearts

The Key Club at Spencer-Van Etten High School in New York fills more than mouths through its “Empty Bowls” project to benefit the Community Food Cupboard.

Key Club members gather around the pottery wheel to create bowls.

Twenty-five student volunteers filled the hearts of community members by creating bowls, which were filled with soup and bread and sold to raise funds for the cupboard. During 25 hours of pottery work over a two-week period, members made more than 50 bowls, says past club president Josh Stangle. Some students threw bowls on a pottery wheel. Others received pre-made bowls and pressed clay on the inside of them to create a special pattern, such as a leaf.

Before the initiative, Key Clubbers assisted the cupboard on the last Thursday of every month by delivering food to needy families. They initiated the “Empty Bowls” effort to draw attention to the plight of the hungry. Restaurants and individuals added their support, providing the soup and bread for a lunch that cost a $5 donation.

The Key Club raised $485, according to Josh Stangle.

Athens Area High School graduate Chris Rossiter and Athens Area High School senior Danielle Bennett, both student art teachers, taught the Key Clubbers how to create, glaze, and fire bowls.

Josh says the project was so successful because students realized the difference they can make in the community.

The club plans to continue the fundraiser every year.