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Nobles’ efficient organizing systemis similar to a grocery store’s.The drive is currently the largestcommunity-wide service event atNobles. “We have had so many peoplecome that the time goes really fast,”said Community Service CoordinatorLinda Hurley. “Anyone can help,even kids. They don’t need to knowhow to read. As long as you can recognizea particular product like peanutbutter, you can help.”Nobles’ involvement with theStamp Out Hunger Drive dates backto the 1990s, when the Dedham MiddleSchool served as the collection site.The site moved to Nobles in 2000.Over the years, sorting that once tooktwo to three weeks has been reducedto a two-day process thanks to all thesupport from the school community.“We’ve worked out a system toallow this to run smoothly,” says LouisBarassi, community service coordinatorof the Afternoon Program. “Wewant to help the food pantry as best wecan so they don’t need to devote timeto sorting and deciding where to putthe food once it’s delivered.”The community service initiativewraps up the Monday after ReunionNobles students help load the truckduring the 2010 Stamp Out Hunger Drive.with the help of about 100 Noblesvolunteers from classes, afternoon programs,clubs and organizations, andathletic teams who continue sorting,loading and delivering the food to thepantry. Each year the drive brings inabout three moving trucks full of food—enough to feed some 200 familiesthe pantry serves each month. Foodfrom the drive typically sustains thepantry through most of the summer.Nobles has made a long-term commitmentto the Dedham Food Pantry.This fall, ArtAid—an annual studentdesignedexhibit that connects art withservice—incorporated a school-widefood drive into a show focused onworld hunger in the Foster Gallery,with all donations contributed to thepantry. The Community Service Boardand the ceramics afternoon programvolunteer every Thursday at the foodpantry sorting donations in preparationfor Saturday’s clients. They also helpwith the pantry’s recycling program.And in February, the ceramics afternoonprogram donated proceeds fromthe first-ever Empty Bowls event atNobles (see sidebar on page 17).“We’ve always been involved withthe Dedham Food Pantry,” says Hurley.“It’s something that is important to usbecause it’s a local organization thattouches many lives. Kids get to see neighborshelping neighbors. and recognizethat there are hungry children andadults in their own community. It’s notjust a global or inner-city problem.”16 l the NobLES Bulletin l Spring 2011