Food Lion rolled out its Carts of Kindness campaign to thank teachers and support staff at J.C. Parks Elementary School in Bryans Road earlier this week as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
The Bryans Road school was one of only six groups selected from nearly 200 nominations across Food Lion’s more than 1,100 stores in the mid-Atlantic region. The grocery chain’s inaugural campaign recognizes educators and school support staff for the difference they make in students’ lives.
Tim Oglesbee, manager of the Bryans Road Food Lion, nominated the Parks staff. “They always come to Food Lion to get things. They always shop at the store for events and activities. They’re always supporting us,” Oglesbee said. “So, what better way to support them than by doing this.”
On Monday, May 4, Food Lion staff visited the school to hand out snacks and drinks, along with gift boxes containing the nonperishable ingredients needed to make a one-pot chicken piccata pasta. Each box included a $25 Food Lion gift card to purchase additional ingredients.
While the giveaway was a surprise for the teachers and support staff, Hughes Valmond, principal of Parks, said he wasn’t shocked his staff was singled out. “Everyone is willing to help each other out,” Valmond said. “I think we have a selfless staff.”
Two Food Lion employees who participated in the event are former students at Parks. Brooke Grinder and Sanaa Milstead, joined by Oglesbee and coworkers Anthony Garner and Keith Botts, recalled their days at the school and were excited to honor its staff.
“It always felt very cheery,” Grinder said of the school. “There was a positivity to it.” She said the job teachers do is an important one. “Teachers don’t get enough recognition. I feel that they give a lot. All the teachers I’ve had have always gave their all and then some,” Grinder said. “It’s good to have people give back to them.”
Botts, the Bryans Road Food Lion’s produce manager, noted that the store regularly supports teachers and students. “In the grocery business, you always have teachers coming in, buying treats for their class, or buying extra supplies for their class out of their own pockets,” he said. “We’ve always donated to help out teachers.”
Valmond said that when staff is happy and supported, the students will follow. “It feels good to be here,” he said of Parks. “If the staff loves to be here, the kids love to be here.”
J.C. Parks Elementary School serves students in Bryans Road and surrounding areas of Charles County. The school is part of Charles County Public Schools, which serves more than 28,000 students across 40 schools in Southern Maryland.
The Carts of Kindness campaign highlights the important role local grocery stores play in supporting schools and communities in Charles County and across the mid-Atlantic region. Food Lion has more than 1,100 stores and has long partnered with schools through donations and community initiatives.
