WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy occasions and individuals; and

WHEREAS tonight, the Mayor and Council wish to acknowledge the kindness, generosity and positive community spirit demonstrated by a small group of fifth-grade girls from A. Russell Knight Elementary School; and

WHEREAS in an effort to help feed local families in need during this holiday season, the girls single-handedly organized a food drive within the Russell Knight community; and

WHEREAS with the help of a few teachers, the girls created fliers, made a sign indicating their progress, counted donations, and made daily reminder announcements; and

WHEREAS in just two weeks, the girls’ effort yielded 484 items, all of which were delivered to the Cherry Hill Food Pantry, a local nonprofit that serves hundreds of families each month from within Cherry Hill and bordering towns; and

WHEREAS particularly during this season of giving and unity, Mayor Cahn and the members of Township Council are proud to give fitting recognition to these young women and their truly remarkable effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, to be  

Russell Knight Food Drive Day

in the Township of Cherry Hill and do urge all citizens to join with me and Council in thanking these extraordinary girls for their leadership and initiative in working to benefit local families in need in such a meaningful way.

Talia Dugan

Fiona Yampell

Abby Callahan

Kelly Topham

Bella Stearne

Elena Coverdale

Isabel Coverdale

Emma Chorzelewski

Jenna McGovern

Maddie Winslow