Pastor Josh McDonald and his wife Jolene accept a large food donation from Buckeye Career Center staff members to benefit the church's Blessings in a Backpack program. Pictured from left to right are Sherry Cardani, Jolene McDonald, Josh McDonald, Brant Horn, Scott Minor, and Superintendent Bob Alsept. (Submitted photo)

New Philadelphia, Ohio - Buckeye Career Center staff recently donated a processed hog and non-perishable food items to Authentic Church in New Philadelphia to benefit the church's Blessings in a Backpack program. 

The donation was made possible by an annual donation drive by BCC staff members, which includes teachers, support workers, administration and others. This year, the group raised $1,081 and used $838.50 of that money to purchase a hog at the 2018 Tuscarawas County Fair. 

The hog weighed in at 258 pounds and was exhibited by BCC Ag & Diesel junior Brant Horn of New Philadelphia. The hog was processed by Buckeye Career Center’s Meat Cutting lab and instructor Scott Ripley and resulted in eight boxes of meat. 

The remaining money was used to purchase $412.50 worth of non-perishable food items to accompany the hog donation. The items included 96 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 36 jars of peanut butter, 24 jars of grape jelly, 36 boxes of mashed potatoes, 48 cans of green beans, 48 cans of corn, 48 cans of sliced carrots, 36 boxes of spaghetti noodles, 36 jars of spaghetti sauce, and 24 cans of fruit cocktail.

Authentic Church Pastor Josh McDonald and wife Jolene McDonald stopped by BCC to pick up the donations on Monday, October 15. Pastor McDonald explained that the church plans to purchase crockpots for 20-25 families who benefit from the Blessings in a Backpack program. He said the church will package the food into freezer meals for each family to cook during Christmas break. 

“As a church, our goal is to bless a family, especially over Christmas break. It is an honor for us to be able to do that and be with them during that season,” he said.

The BCC collection was spearheaded by Buckeye Career Center Behavior Management Specialist/In School Suspension instructor Mr. Scott Minor and Superintendent’s Secretary Sherry Cardani. Minor worked to collect cash donations and bid on Horn’s hog at the 4-H Junior Fair Auction, while Cardani worked to find this year’s beneficiary. Both were elated to contribute to the cause. 

“An endeavor of this undertaking does not happen without lots of support. I truly appreciate the impact we can have as a staff when we are all focused on one goal,” Minor said.

BUCKEYE CAREER CENTER