By: Mairen Brown
The North Springs Sandwich Project has done it. Since November, the North Springs Sandwich Project has made over 1500 sandwiches, and delivered them to Solidarity Sandy Springs, a shelter right here in our community.
The President, Anna Baylin, a senior at North Springs, and teacher sponsor, as well as Teacher of the Year, Ms. Kelly Olson. After asking a few questions about the Sandwich Project, they shared their experiences with the organization, and the logistics of it all. Here’s what they had to say.
Ms. Olson’s interview:
Mairen: How many sandwiches are delivered each week?
Ms. Olson: Usually, 100-150 sandwiches
Mairen: Where/Who receives the sandwiches?
Ms. Olson: More than 15 local Sandy Springs organizations that support helping those with food insecurity. Solidarity Sandy Springs is a big recipient of our North Springs sandwiches.
Mairen: How many years has the sandwich project been at North Springs?
Ms. Olson: This is our first year with Anna Baylin as President and co-president junior Caroline Howley.
Mairen: Do you plan on sponsoring again next year?
Ms. Olson: Absolutely. Our students have really responded so positively to the NS Sandwich Club. We hosted a Valentine’s card making event for a local elderly residence facility and we had over 25 students come to my room at 7:30am to make and decorate cards. That is impressive for teenagers to be in school at 7:30am!
Now, my interview with Sandwich Project President, Anna Baylin:
Mairen: How did the Sandwich Club come to be?
Anna: Over the summer, I was asked to be an intern for the Sandwich Project, a nonprofit started in 2020, to increase teen participation in the metro Atlanta area. As an intern, I help run the Sandwich Project ten Instagram, build our website, and spread the word to organizations and individuals about our effort to stop food insecurity in our area. When the school year started, I was eager to bring the cause to North Springs. I started the Sandwich Club so our students could begin making sandwiches and letters for those in need while being a part of a group where they could directly get reminders and information.
Mairen: What is your job in the sandwich club?
Anna: As the president of the Sandwich Club, I send out messages and reminders in our group chat, plan events, and help spread information specific to our cause. But the special thing about the Sandwich Club is that it is built off our motivated members’ efforts and our incredible sponsor, Mrs. Olson! She does so much for the club and of course for North Springs students.
Mairen: Did you bring the sandwich project to North Springs?
Anna: Yes! I thought it would be perfect for the many students and teachers at North Springs interested in helping our community. The result has been better than I ever would have expected, and I am increasingly proud to be a Spartan with every sandwich delivery and letter writing event.
Mairen: Why is it important to have clubs like these?
Anna: A lot of people think that you must be an adult before you can make a difference. The reality is any person of any age can make a difference and change their lives. It is not only important to have clubs like these to improve the world around us, but to also give students of all ages and backgrounds an outlet to make the tangible difference that they want to see.
Mairen: How do students benefit?
Anna: Students in the Sandwich Club get the opportunity to earn service hours every single week and with every event we have. Service hours are vital to graduation but also vital for clubs such as National Honors Society and National Spanish Honors Society as well as resume building. Students will be able to make a direct effect in stopping one of our most prominent problems in Atlanta, food insecurity, while also earning the hours they need for their own success.
Mairen: Describe your experience in one word.
Anna: This experience has been inspiring. Seeing not only my community in Atlanta but also my North Springs community step up to make change has been so awesome. We are truly making a difference with every sandwich and every letter for our recipients, and I feel as though our members have been inspired to keep on making change wherever they go.
North Spring’s very own students take time out of their busy schedules and family life to serve this community. With that, thank you to the North Springs Sandwich Project. For all that they’ve have done, and all they will continue to do. As a member of the North Springs Sandwich Club, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished!
