Donation Drive for Project Feed the Kids

The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) marked its centennial anniversary by giving back to the community, collecting donations for Project Feed the Kids, a Traverse City-based nonprofit combating childhood food insecurity.

During MEMSPA's annual conference, "100 Years of Leaders," held December 3-5 in Acme, Michigan, the association leveraged its milestone celebration to support a cause close to the hearts of its members: helping children and families in need.

"As an association dedicated to serving building principals and devoting our lives to students and families, we wanted our 100th anniversary to reflect those values in action," said Shanna Spickard, MEMSPA Executive Director. "Project Feed the Kids was the perfect partner for this initiative."

Associate Executive Director, Kimberly Gillow, conceived the centennial service project and spearheaded its execution, identifying Project Feed the Kids as an ideal local partner and coordinated MEMSPA's 14 regional groups to collect the organization's most-needed items. School principals from across Michigan brought donations to the conference, resulting in an overwhelming response.

"When you think about 100 years of principals serving Michigan's children, it felt right to honor that legacy by doing something meaningful for kids who need us most," said Gillow. "Seeing our members rally around this cause—bringing donations from every corner of the state—reminded me why I'm so proud to be part of this association."

The response exceeded all expectations, with additional large crates of donations arriving after the initial pickup. Gillow joined Spickard in meeting with Project Feed the Kids founder Tiffany McQueer for the donation handoff (photo 1). MEMSPA Interim Executive Director, Syndee Malek, and Membership Services staff member, Sarah Bentley, later delivered the additional donations that continued to arrive from conference participants (photo 2).

The centennial service project demonstrated MEMSPA's commitment to turning educational leadership into community action, ensuring the association's 100th year made a lasting impact on Michigan families.