Mantua – Reaching an unprecedented 30 days, this latest government shutdown has meant that countless families living paycheck to paycheck with government jobs began 2019 in a tough financial position. Although Ohio doesn’t have a high number of government employees directly affected by the latest shutdown, cuts to the Department of Homeland Security, Treasury, Commerce and the EPA impact our residents as cuts to food stamp funding and delays in income tax refunds loom on the horizon.
Focused on doing something to help, the teachers at Crestwood Schools decided to do what they could to help the families in their community.
“We’re concerned for our students who have been affected by the government shutdown,” explained Crestwood Middle School teacher Kim Marfy. “So the teacher’s union has collaborated with some local businesses to provide a meal for local families.”
As Marfy explained, Crestwood families who can show proof of Federal employment will receive a voucher to be used for fresh ground beef from the local butcher or pizza from a local pizza shop. The businesses agreed to sell their items at a reduced rate, which the teachers’ union will be paying.
“They were all awesome!” Marfy marveled. “They were on board in a heartbeat,” she noted of the participating businesses. They include K & K Meats in Mantua, where a family can receive two pounds of ground beef with the supplied voucher. Pizza shops include Gionino’s in Hiram and Blasiole’s in Streetsboro, where families of four or more will receive two pizzas and families of three or less will receive one free pizza.
A message regarding this special offer was sent District-wide by Superintendent David Toth via Crestwood’s blackboard connect messaging system. Calls were also made using the reverse 911 system. A coupon has been created, which will allow families to select which option best suits their needs. A limited number of coupons are available; the coupon is set to expire 24 hours after the shut down concludes.
In order to qualify, families must have a child in Crestwood Schools and must show proof of federal government employment. Affected families should contact Kim Marfy via email at kmarfy@crestwoodschools.org or by calling Crestwood Middle School at (330) 357-8204
“The teachers love helping our families,” Marfy explained. “We’re worried about the situation and the impact it will have on our students,: she explained. “We’re always looking for ways to make a difference.”
