Hillcrest Elementary School in Logan, Utah, organized a resource fair on November 2, 2023, aimed at connecting families with essential local services. The event featured breakfast for attendees and allowed students to select a free book. Each family received a bookmark listing a variety of community resources, including food aid, medical care, and housing support.
Three faculty members—kindergarten teacher Andrea Melnick, fourth-grade teacher Tyler Lynch, and speech and language technician Emily Phillips—initiated the event after expressing concerns about their students’ well-being. “This is a hard time of year for families, especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, along with added expenses for winter clothing,” Melnick stated.
Recognizing the necessity for comprehensive support, the organizers collaborated with the entire faculty. Principal Jill Beer noted that every teacher contributed to the event’s success over the past two weeks, assisting with logistics such as creating flyers, contacting local organizations, and setting up the venue.
Bridging Community Gaps
“We aimed to connect our Hillcrest community to the larger community,” Melnick explained. “We know there are people who might need extra support, and others who wish to provide it.” Lynch emphasized the importance of raising awareness about available resources, noting that some families may not realize the extent of support accessible to them.
Phillips highlighted food insecurity as a primary concern, underscoring the educators’ first-hand experience with students arriving hungry. “We see the direct impact on learning when children are not fed,” she remarked. Melnick added that emotional support also matters, stating, “I hope families walk away knowing their teachers care about them and that they are part of a supportive community.”
Organizations such as Cache Community Food Pantry, Utah Families Feeding Families, and Loaves and Fishes were present, providing information about their services. Other participating groups included the Little Lambs Foundation and the Family Place, which focus on child and family services. The event offered a platform for these organizations to engage directly with families and share vital information.
Commitment to Student Success
The bookmarks distributed at the fair carried a clear message: “As a school, we are committed to setting children up for success. We want them to have full bellies, warm clothes, and brains ready to learn.” Parents were encouraged to contact their child’s teacher for assistance in accessing available resources.
This initiative underlines Hillcrest Elementary’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for students and their families, particularly during challenging times of the year. The collaborative effort reflects a profound dedication by the faculty to ensure that every child’s needs are met, both academically and emotionally.
