Patrick Perti’s class at Swenson Arts and Technical School decided that they wanted to do an environmental project that directly affected people in need. After researching a number of options and speaking with professionals and specialists in the community, the class was fortunate to start a partnership with Penn State.
Penn State donated seeds and poinsettia seedlings for the culinary arts class to plant in the school’s greenhouse. The class took care of poinsettias, tomato and basil and by the time the holidays arrived, they were ready for market. The class made a profit of over $225 and they had to make a decision about who to donate the money. Since it was the holidays, the class decided they wanted to adopt a family. They chose a family from the Rainbow Shelter in Northeast Philadelphia. The class shopped for toys and bikes at Toy’s R’ Us and delivered them to a very happy family just before Christmas.