The school’s service group M.A.D. (Making A Difference) has been hosting ‘Stuff the Bus’ for many years—providing the small town of Berceni with bags of food for the holidays. This year, due to the country’s high number of coronavirus cases, people are struggling more than ever, and are depending on these types of donations.
The pandemic has had a huge economic impact on Romania. In the village of Berceni in particular, “things are quite difficult with the effect of this pandemic,” according to Berceni Mayor Cosmina Pandele. “No more jobs, lots of companies affected, financial restriction, drama, stress and so much more…”
M.A.D. Student Leader Ingrid Z. adds that “It’s also been having a social impact, due to the effects of lockdown, social distancing, and the stress imposed by unemployment.”
How you can help:
Starting Monday, December 7th, M.A.D. will start collecting “stuffed” Mega Image bags, which they will take to Berceni on Wednesday, December 16th. You can purchase the reusable bags at the checkout station at the grocery store, or use your own, but all need to include the following:
- Sunflower oil in plastic bottle
- Powdered milk
- 1 kg package of sugar
- 1 kg package of flour
- 1 kg package of rice
- 1 package of pasta (fusilli or spaghetti)
- 1 kg package of mălai (polenta)
- 1 can of vegetables (peas, tomatoes, corn)
- 1 can of meat or tuna
- Package of cookies
- Plastic or tin container with instant coffee
- Plastic bag with long lasting mini croissants (7 Days brand)
- Box of tea bags
Bags will be accepted through Wednesday morning, before the service group leaves to deliver them to Berceni.
“We’ve organized this initiative as effectively as possible,” says Ingrid, ” [ensuring] that our donations are received by the families who are most in need of them, and gives us the opportunity to supplement this food relief with long-term, sustainable action.”
If you have any questions, contact Service Learning Coordinator Margritha Hofman at mhofman@goaisb.ro.