EF student business treats essential workers to lunch

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Though their smiles were hidden behind face masks Thursday afternoon, it was evident that eight Elizabeth Forward High School students enjoyed the opportunity to give back to essential employees in their community. 

Members of a student-run business known as the iSH (in Students Hands) Co., a custom printing company founded by EFHS graphic technology teacher Megan Smith, provided “thank you lunches” to first responders and other people working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Smith said the students used nearly $6,000 in profits raised during the school year to purchase and distribute about 150 lunches to the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, Elizabeth Township Police Department, Forward Township Police Department, Elizabeth Borough Fire Department, Blythedale Fire Department and Elizabeth Post Office. 

Lunches were also delivered to all EF school building maintenance workers, custodians and security guards, as well as employees at Giant Eagle in Elizabeth and other neighboring establishments. 

The students supported small businesses in the area by purchasing the food from Perked Up Cafe in Charleroi and Barton’s Bakery and DeCarlo’s Fruit Market in Elizabeth. 

“They always want to give back to their community and they always want to keep it as local as possible,” Smith said of her student entrepreneurs. 

The students involved in Thursday’s distribution were Abby Bickerton, Kaitlin Fournier, Leah Fournier, Hannah Hebda, Tamar Herchelroath, Austin Onofrey, Josie Stoffer and Ashley Thaxton. 

“I’m just so proud of them and I’m really grateful that their parents allowed them to come out to deliver the meals,” Smith said. 

The students appreciated the opportunity to give back, especially during a time in which the Elizabeth Forward community has rallied together to support others during the coronavirus outbreak. 

“I am very thankful that I was able to support our essential workers as part of the iSH Company. Every time we delivered meals, you could tell that the workers were incredibly appreciative, and even with their masks on, you could see they were smiling,” Hebda said. “It was wonderful to deliver the meal, talk with the workers at an acceptable distance and know that you were brightening their day. It’s more important than ever to be a supportive community.”

Among the beneficiaries of the students’ generosity was police chief Travis Stoffer and officers at the Forward Township Police Department. 

Stoffer, an Elizabeth Forward school board member and the father of iSH Co. member Josie Stoffer, took to Twitter Thursday to express his gratitude. 

“Thank you to the iSH Co., who surprised us with lunch today,” Stoffer posted. “You have no idea how much your gesture means to us.” 

Smith said the idea to donate meals to essential workers stemmed from a conversation on an online discussion board after schools closed and students transitioned into virtual learning on an everyday basis. 

“We were trying to keep up with the company business and keep things as normal as possible while they were still online,” Smith said. “We did a discussion board online and asked the kids what they wanted to donate to. It stirred up some discussion and I kinda just took a consensus.” 

Thaxton said the iSH Co. normally takes profits earned during the school year and donates a significant amount to a few organizations around the community. 

Under the circumstances, the group thought it would be best to donate to people who help the community run smoothly. 

“I definitely thought our donations would be appreciated, but the smiles on everyone’s faces gave the biggest thank you I could ask for,” Thaxton said. “One of the most important parts of our company is the want to give back to our community. At a time like this, everyone is struggling. If with just a simple meal, we can keep someone’s hopes up, then hopefully that positivity will radiate to others.” 

While Smith lauded her students’ selfless nature, she also expressed appreciation toward the administration at Elizabeth Forward for its constant support of the students and staff during these uncertain times. 

“I’m so thankful of the supportive administration that we have, as they allow creativity to go on in a virtual way,” Smith said. “They’re always looking for ways to better us, and I’m so proud to be a Warrior.”

While members of the iSH Co. are learning virtually until their last day of school at the end of the month, they’re still going to be conducting business while spreading positivity by selling “EF Strong” merchandise on their website at www.theishcompany.com. 

Face masks, shirts and hoodies are designed with a logo created by the students through a class assignment. With students unable to work in school, the merchandise will be printed through a partnership with an outside printing company known as Shields Embroidery. 

Items are available for purchase until May 25 and are expected to be delivered early next month. 

“We want to try to filter people to that website,” Smith said. “We want the kids to still somehow make profits while taking part in their entrepreneurship at home.”