[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2339]]

 HONORING PEPPERELL MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROME, GA, ``34,288 CANS OF FOOD IN 
                               THE HALL''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the main hall of Pepperell Middle 
School, located in the small community of Lindale, just outside the 
city of Rome, GA, has been lined with 12 x 25 inch cardboard boxes 
stacked halfway to the ceiling for several weeks. The boxes were 
crammed with more than 34,000 cans of food; all donated by students for 
this year's local Salvation Army Can-a-Thon.
  Sponsored by Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA 11-Alive; Rome radio stations 
WRGA, Q-102, South 107; and the Forum, the Salvation Army Can-a-Thon 
accepts donations of canned, non-perishable food items in the Forum's 
main parking lot on a designated day in December.
  On November 1st each year, students begin to solicit canned goods 
from family, friends, neighbors, and others. Last year, over 24,000 
cans were collected by students at Pepperell Middle School. The goal 
for 2001 was set at 26,000 cans. Once they exceeded that total, a new 
goal was set at 30,000 cans. On the morning of Friday, December 7, a 
large Marine Corps truck made its way to Pepperell Middle School. Upon 
arrival, students loaded 34,288 cans of food onto the truck which was 
escorted by the local police, and two bus loads of students from the 
school, making its way to the Forum.
  The annual holiday Can-a-Thon collected more than 70,000 cans from 
throughout the city and county. Approximately 700 baskets will be 
filled with canned goods and will be given to families in need. The 
food will also go toward providing daily meals for men, women, and 
children who seek shelter at the Salvation Army.
  Pepperell Middle School principal Frank Pinson is justifiably and 
extremely proud of his students, saying, ``this is a big deal thing to 
them, and it teaches them one of the greatest lessons they learn.'' The 
students work extremely hard, soliciting in many ways other than just 
going house to house. Some students donated their ice cream money; they 
held a dance and a talent show to raise money. The school has led the 
entire state in Can-a-Thon donations for 8 straight years.
  Eight years ago, a tornado hit the Lindale community, destroying or 
damaging many homes, and leaving many families homeless. The Salvation 
Army was immediately there to assist those families. The students of 
Pepperell Middle School decided at that time to secure canned goods for 
those who experienced losses due to the storm. They found great 
satisfaction in helping those in need; and the tradition continues each 
year with the Can-a-Thon.
  The principal, staff, faculty, students, their families, and, indeed, 
the entire community, are to be commended for their outstanding 
participation in this event. It is with great pride I recognize them 
today as true community leaders. I am honored to serve as their 
Representative in the U.S. Congress.

                          ____________________