Students at Powell Valley Elementary School had a challenge this holiday season to collect more nonperishable food than their teachers.
If they won, their principal would color her hair bright purple. If they lost, they would spend 10 minutes cleaning the school together.
Wednesday afternoon, Principal Michele Cook fulfilled her promise after her students surpassed their teachers in collections, bringing in 1,800 pounds of food over three weeks for Sanctuary Churchs food pantry.
Behind the curtains of the Powell Valley stage, Parent Teacher Club members Amoreana Collins and Karin Mitchell sprayed Cooks hair vibrant purple a foray into hair color experimentation for a woman whod never dyed her hair.
As students finished singing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Cook received her cue.
We have to make a lot of noise to bring her out here! Russ Baley, a parent and pastor of Sanctuary Church, told Powell Valley students on the other side of the curtain, gathered for a holiday assembly in the gym.
Cheers erupted from 450 students and staff as Cook peeked through the curtains, then stepped out and showed off her new do.
Students pressed their hands to their mouths, laughed and smiled as Cook twirled around.
Put your hand up, put it on your back and give yourself a pat on the back! Cook told students.
The pantry
The Sanctuary Church food pantry began after the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday, when the church received increased requests for food assistance.
The pantry is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month at 3101 S.E. Orient Drive, Gresham, for those in need of food assistance.
For those in need of immediate assistance, an electronic form is available under the Plug In section of ajesuscommunity.org. Call 503-663-9146 for more information.