Did you know that Lakeview has it’s very own food pantry and angel tree this Christmas? Do you know the person behind the two? Mrs Petrunia, a dedicated Cortland Ohio resident has been organizing Lakeviews Bulldog Pantry and Angel tree wish lists for several decades.
Cortland resident Margie Petrunia is no stranger to Lakeview, as her 30+ years of teaching experience have taken place in Lakeview Local Schools. When starting to teach at Lakeview, she wanted to find a way to give back and help those in need. Throughout her career, she has touched the lives of hundreds of Lakeview Bulldogs, helping them not only academically but through kindness and generosity.
Superintendent Ashley Handrych says, “Her dedication goes far beyond distributing food or gifts through the Pantry and Angel Tree. Because of her relentless compassion and problem-solving, families know they have someone they can turn to, and that trust has made the Bulldog Pantry a true lifeline.”
Petrunia’s leadership has brought together the Cortland community, always offering to lend a hand whenever needed. With the holiday season right around the corner, Petrunia has been “Decking the halls” by stocking pantry shelves and helping the community.
Each year since 2016, Petrunia has organized the Bulldog pantry and food drive for the students and families of Lakeview Local Schools. Items like canned food and jars of peanut butter and jelly are crucially needed, however, anything people are willing to donate helps Lakeview pay it forward every year. The food pantry provides stability to families through very difficult times, proving small acts of kindness can make a difference.
When asked what her biggest hope for the future of the programs is, Petrunia said, “It’s continuation; I would like to see these programs continue in the district for a very long time.”
Lakeview local schools and it’s next several generations of students hope to carry on Petrunia’s legacy, giving and ensuring that absolutely no Lakeview family goes without support.
Petrunia cares very deeply about every student in the district and it is shown through her actions. Her compassion has stretched beyond the walls of Lakeview and reached families in need of both Christmas spirit and support. Not only has she helped through the food pantry, but also her help in the Angel Tree Program.
Junior and NHS member Ethan Gilbride states “The Angel Tree Program serves as a community resource that benefits many families.”
Parents help Petrunia by sending wish lists and local community members donate gifts, including toys, clothes, and school supplies. Through Petrunia’s hard work, many families benefit from having a little something extra at Christmas.
What causes a person to become so kind? According to Petrunia, “Inspiration for starting the Food Pantry and Angel tree started with me as a child. My father was always a generous person and giving person.”
Kindness is passed down through generations, and so many students have been blessed to have some of Petrunia’s kindness lands upon them. Mrs Petrunias story is a reminder to every Lakeview Bulldog that compassion is not just taught, but learned from witnessing amazing people like her in action.
Over the past 25 years, countless families have had full plates and an outstanding Christmas because of Petrunia’s unmatched kindness. Petrunia’s incredible acts of kindness serve as a model for all children in the district, and anyone who wants to help, or needs help, should reach out to her at any point of the year. Through Margie Petrunia’s commitment, Lakeview has become not just a school community but a family, united through gratitude, kindness and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
