Some people see a need and hope someone will do something about it. Alecia Halman sees a need, rolls up her sleeves, and gets to work.
Alecia is an ESOL teacher at City Park Elementary School whose bubbly personality, contagious enthusiasm, and willingness to help make her an invaluable member of our school family. But her greatest contribution may be the lasting impact she has made through Helping Hands Ending Hunger.
In 2019, Alecia helped establish City Park as a charter member of this program, which rescues unopened food from school meals and redistributes it to families facing food insecurity. From August 2019 through the present, City Park students donated over 90,500 pounds of food, benefiting more than 60 participating families and extending into the community.
Alecia's dedication goes far beyond launching the program. She has secured grants, refrigerators, freezers, and supplies; organized fundraisers; and built partnerships with churches and community agencies. She has also helped neighboring schools establish similar programs, multiplying her impact.
Alongside fellow educator Emily Jones, Alecia created a student ambassador program that reported 65 students in grades 2–5 helping collect, sort, weigh, and distribute food. Through this work, students learn responsibility, compassion, and the importance of serving others.
While Alecia's cheerful personality never goes unnoticed, the countless hours she devotes to sustaining this program often do. She gives generously of her time while continuing to teach and support other school initiatives.
Alecia's greatest accomplishment may not be the thousands of pounds of food rescued, but the children who have learned through her example that compassion means taking action.
For her extraordinary leadership, joyful spirit, and lasting impact on families and students, Alecia Halman is truly a Hidden Hero.
