Food Lion rolled out the thanks to teachers of J.C. Parks Elementary School earlier this week to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.

Teachers and staff of Parks were one of six groups out of nearly 200 nominated for the grocery chain’s inaugural Carts of Kindness campaign, recognizing teachers and school support staff for the difference they make in the lives of students. Food Lion has more than 1,100 stores around the mid-Atlantic region.

Parks staff was nominated by Tim Oglesbee, manager of the Bryans Road Food Lion. “[Parks staff] 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 gift card to Food Lion 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 to be recognized — the teachers and support staff at the school are exceptional. “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, said they 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, who is the Bryans Road Food Lion’s produce manager, said 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.”

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. 

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).