Leyden students serve holiday luncheon for family services guests

Students and staff from Leyden's Cooperative Education Program hosted a holiday luncheon for the staff and residents of Leyden Family Services on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The menu included grilled and fried chicken, rolls, salad, pasta salad and cake for dessert. Students and staff in the program secured donations for the meal.

Advanced catering students helped prepare and serve the food. The Leyden Chamber Singers also performed for the guests, and there was a holiday singalong.

It is customary for students in co-op classes to make a donation to Leyden Family Services. This year the students raised and donated more than $700. In addition, the students held an in-school food drive for the Leyden Family Services Food Pantry.

"It is one thing for our students to raise funds and write a check," said Frank Holthouse, the district's director of Careers and Community Outreach. "When students spend time with the residents of Leyden Family Services and serve them a meal, the connection is deeper and more meaningful. Our goal is to create more grateful students and spread kindness throughout the Leyden community."

The luncheon was held in the Leyden Family Services aftercare building located in Franklin Park.

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