40 YEARS of HELPING OUR COMMUNITY | 1983 - 2023
CAD4HOPE is a food drive led by students and staff at Collegedale Academy that stocks the Samaritan Center's food pantry for the entire year.
CAD4HOPE: A Legacy of Caring for Others
In 1983 Collegedale Academy Bible teacher Mr. Richard Cadavero had the vision to instill in his students a love for serving others. He sectioned off a portion of space in the front of his classroom, placed some non-perishable food items in it, and encouraged them to do the same. His idea took off, and within a few years the collection area moved from his classroom to the auditorium stage and eventually into the gymnasium. As it grew, so did its name. Originally known as "Project 5,000" with the goal of collecting 5,000 cans, it became "Project 11,000" in the late 90's and "Project 24,000" by 2007. In 2009, under the direction of CA teacher and pastor Tom Hayes, the drive "Cad for Hope" in honor of Mr. Cadavero. We are grateful for the legacy left by Mr. Cadavero, as today the CAD4HOPE food drive serves to provide a large amount of the food distributed by the Samaritan Center throughout the year.
The Collection Process
CA Students Collaborate With the Samaritan Center to Provide Food for Those in Need
Prepping the Collection Bags
Student volunteers prep thousands of paper bags each year by stapling a donation information sheet to them. The bags are then divided among the collection teams to be taken out into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Food Collection Day
The following week, students go back throughout the neighborhood to collect the filled bags. The bags can also be taken to the Samaritan Center and dropped off.
Sorting and Storing
Once the items are brought to the Samaritan center, they are sorted and set in storage to be distributed throughout the upcoming year.