In the month of February, FCCLA facilitates the annual distribution of Crush cans. Each Crush can costs a dollar, which students can order and send it to a person or persons of their choice. The Crush cans are given every Valentine’s Day.

“It’s been a tradition since I’ve been here,” said Irma Bode, who teaches child development and is the FCCLA advisor. “For at least ten years we’ve done Crush can sales.”

Simran Bhatia, an officer in FCCLA, spoke about the legacy of Crush cans.

“When I went to get the proposal signed [for Crush cans], Mr. Robinson was like, “Oh yeah, it’s tradition.”   Bhatia also spoke of the impact a good meal had on children, and the effects of hunger in school.

The profit from the crush cans ultimately goes to a good cause. It’s to raise money for Share our Strength, which aims to end child hunger in America. Studies show that about 16.2 million kids in American don’t receive the food they need, and struggle with hunger.

The feedback regarding Crush cans is always positive and encouraging.

“Students really enjoy this,” said Kennedy Little, president of FCCLA. “Everyone likes it because they can send it to who they want, anonymously or not.”

The Crush cans raised an impressive amount of money last year, and the hope is that this year will be even better.

“The reaction is very positive, so every year we seem to be able to raise more money,” said Bode. “Last year we raised over $1000, so our goal is higher this year.”

There is also a considerable amount of extensive planning that goes into this event.

“We have to order all the crush cans, and a lot of the time we end up having to order more,” said Little. “I have to create a schedule of who’s going to be at the table, who’s going to be collecting money. We also have to have an adult present at all times- here and at the ninth grade center.”

Even after crush cans are sold, there is still work left to be done.

“After we’re done selling we have to bring it all back here, and search through the school’s database,” said Little. “We find every student, every class they’re in, who it’s from, and deliver it.”

Overall, Crush cans at Wakefield are a highlight of the early school year for many students.

“In our school it’s for fun, like a social kind of thing, and it’s really cute for Valentine’s Day,” said Bhatia. “It benefits a good cause.”