Ellen Hopkins Elementary School

On October 14th, teachers at Ellen Hopkins have parent teacher conferences in the evening after a full day of teaching. We are excited to provide a meal for them to keep them going! Sign-up to provide a pasta bake or dessert bars, or to come serve with us at the school. (Food will be dropped off at church ahead of time.)

There are various opportunities to get connected into Ellen Hopkins or to support our partnership. Whether it's through giving drives, helping prepare or serve meals for staff a few times a year, or being a reading or lunch buddy once a week, you can help us invest in the lives of students and teachers! Learn more about each of these opportunities below.

Many kids do not have warm outdoor clothing including, coats, snow pants, gloves, mittens, and scarves. For the month of October each year, we collect these items to be distributed to students as needed. It is such a blessing for the Ellen Hopkins staff to be able to meet the needs of these kids through the clothing provided by our church! Items can be new or gently used and dropped off at the collection table in the foyer.

Every September we do a supply drive for the TEACHERS. Many of them have things that they would really like to have in their rooms, and end up purchasing those things with their own money. The teachers have added their wishes to an Amazon shopping list, to make it easy for us to support them! You don't have to be an Amazon Prime member to use this wish list.

While the Supply Drive is officially over for the year, anything that comes to Salem will still be delivered to Ellen Hopkins!

Once per week for an hour or more you can read with students. You'll be matched with a teacher, and depending on the teacher's need, it might be with one student or a small group either in the classroom or the library.

Being a reading buddy is one of the most rewarding ways to be involved. The kids you get matched with are in need of some extra attention. You will laugh, have meaningful conversations, and get lots of smiles. The look on the kids' faces when they see you, there for them, is absolutely priceless. Not only are you investing in the kids, but you're connecting with the teacher and supporting their whole class.

Being a lunch buddy means joining the same 2-3 kids each week during their lunch time. During the 30-minute lunch, you get to have conversations about what is going on in the students' lives, and encourage them. Lunch with the students is usually held in a conference room or their classroom, unles you prefer to join them in the cafeteria.

If you are interested in becoming a reading or lunch buddy, contact us below, and we will reach out to you!

A handful of times throughout the year we provide a meal for all the staff at Ellen Hopkins. They are always so grateful and it is a wonderful opportunity to invest and encourage them throughout the year. For each date, we need a variety of roles filled! From planning the meal, to cooking, and then serving at the school there are plenty of ways to get involved.

2025-2026 Ellen Hopkins Meals
October 14th 2:30-4pm Dinner during Parent Teacher Conferences
January 28th 10:30-1:20pm Lunch during a regular school day. (There are 3 lunch periods so volunteers could come serve for part or all of this time.)
March 12th 2:30-4pm Dinner during Parent Teacher Conferences

These opportunities can be a one-time thing or a regular place for you to invest. We would love to have you join us! If you are interested, contact us below and let us know!