Belmont students focus on spirit of giving during Gobble Wobble events

BELMONT — Aaron Pope, principal of Belmont Middle School, has immense pride in his student community, as students annually bring in thousands of pounds of food items for the St. Joseph Parish Food Pantry before Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

The 32nd annual Gobble Wobble continues a tradition that intertwines fun and friendly competition with the spirit of giving. All week, students have been bringing in food donations, and some are working on their best turkey call in preparation for a culminating event on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Students spend the days leading up to Thanksgiving gathering donated goods with a goal of collecting 2,000 pounds. According to Pope, last year the school captured 1,970.75 pounds, and while the amount has gone up and down over the years, the students always go all out to help. One year, pre-pandemic, the students were able to amass about 4,000 pounds of food.

The food collection began on Monday, and as of Tuesday morning, there had already been more than 600 pounds donated, with eighth grade leading the way with 208 pounds gathered.

Every morning, students bring in food, or parents and community members drop it off throughout the day. After weighing the items each morning, an announcement over the intercom lets the school community know how close they are to the goal, and what grade and home room has brought in the most so far.

“It changes and fluctuates throughout the week,” Pope said. “It starts to get really fun the last couple of days.”

The food drive has evolved into a fun event for students, where some ultimately dress as turkeys and let out a turkey call in the school-wide assembly. A panel of judges — made up of new or retiring teachers — will hold up cards with their scores for the best costumes and calls.

The Gobble Wobble was started by John Goegel, a former teacher in the Shaker Regional School District, as a fun way for students to get involved with their local community.

“It all started with a food drive, and it just kind of grew into this really cool thing,” Pope said.

The event involves a presentation by Father Marc Drouin of St. Joseph Parish, who will say a few words to students and staff about how many families are supported by the donated food. It will end with the total amount, and which homeroom and grade brought in the most food. Pope said “turkey trophies” are also given for accolades like the best turkey call and best costumes.

Pope said the Gobble Wobble teaches the students a lesson about giving and being thankful, especially around the holiday season.

“It is a good feeling to be able to support the families who are struggling,” Pope said. “Even a lot of our students take advantage of this during this time of year, and the supports that are offered.”

The church food pantry is near the school, so each morning truckloads of food are taken over to add to the supply. The pantry is looking for specific items, including instant oatmeal packages; canned pasta like SpaghettiOs and ravioli; canned fruits; canned soups; Spam; instant rice; Knorr side dishes; granola bars, fruit and cereal bars; snack crackers; canned cranberry sauce; and small sizes of laundry detergent.

Pope asks that people do not donate cases of water or large bags of rice.

“We are looking at non-perishable foods and canned goods that will last a little longer,” he said. “It is a great feeling for all of us, with all the kids getting involved and supporting the local community.”

Before the big day, there's a “Run, Walk, or Wobble,” where students go outside and do just that, on Monday, Nov. 24. For those who run, there are prizes for the winners. Pope said it is a good opportunity for the kids to get outside, dress up like turkeys, and have a little fun before the main event.

The Gobble Wobble will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Belmont Middle. The event functions as a fun sendoff for students before the Thanksgiving holiday break.

The public can donate to the Gobble Wobble each day until 6 p.m. by leaving items in the greenhouse adjacent to the school to be picked up by staff members each morning.