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What a Day!

Washington Township’s 31st Annual Helping Hands Hoagie Sale Brings Together the Community for the Greatest of Good
 

For Immediate Release
February 11, 2025

 

Helping Hands Hoagie Sale volunteers gather for a group photo in the WTHS 9/10 gymnasium.


WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – The feeling of community, togetherness, and volunteerism converged on Sunday, February 9, 2025, as the Washington Township Public Schools hosted the 31st annual Helping Hands Hoagie Sale. Held annually on Super Bowl Sunday, the hoagie sale benefits Washington Township residents facing medical setbacks.


Before the sun even rose, volunteers flooded Washington Township High School, donned hats and hair nets, and started putting together footlong hoagies and hoagie trays. By 10 a.m., nearly 3,000 hoagies were made and ready for pre-order pickup, as well as for day-of sales. 


Over the span of a month, the Hoagie Sale Committee met weekly to ensure deadlines were met. Bunker Hill Middle School teacher Heather Finn and retired WTHS secretary Theresa Saponara organized much of the event and secured donations. Washington Township Education Foundation President Tiffany Orihel worked with Board of Education member Carol Chila to secure donations and volunteers. WTHS teachers Deanna Ettore and Kevin MacNamara were in charge of the remote sales with high school students. School Community Outreach Director Mike D’Ostilio and WTEF vice president Heather Sullivan were in charge of the publicity. And middle school FutureActs advisors Maddy Kubik, Finn, and Amanda Dacquisto ensured student volunteers were secured at the middle level. District Maintenance supervisor Jeff Walter and Food Service Manager Jennifer Mullin rounded out the committee, making sure everything was prepared the day of the event.


Their preparation made the event the easiest part of the entire operation. Hoagies flew out the door, while volunteers tirelessly worked to make everyone’s experience positive.


“What a testimony to what we are all about,” Dr. Hibbs said. “Feeling the positive energy and getting to take part in this phenomenal tradition was incredibly rewarding. We’re doing amazing things in Washington Township, and this is one of the greatest examples of that. We have so much to be proud of!”


Special thanks go out to the following:

 

  • Joe and Eleanor Bollendorf, for organizing the deli meat slicers on Friday night.
  • WT Fire Department Captain Danny Pacewicz, who organized a group of firefighters to slice lettuce, cheese, and other meats early on Sunday morning.
  • Scott Resse of Lipman Farms for donating lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
  • Custodians Fred Allegra, Scott Reid, and supervisor Jeff Walter, who stayed for the duration of the Hoagie Sale (4 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to ensure all volunteers had what they needed.
  • Mayor Anthony DellaPia, Council Vice President Don Brown, Police Chief Pat Gurcsik, Board of Education members Elayne Clancy, Carol Chila, Scott Laliberte, and former board member Sean Lindsay, and Superintendent Dr. Eric Hibbs, who worked tirelessly to support the students by making hoagies and ensuring they had all the materials they needed. 
  • Chief Gurcsik, Mayor DellaPia, Council President DelBorrello, Kevin Lindstedt, Lynne Promise, Matt Pesyna and Dr. Hibbs for their constant support to promote the Hoagie Sale through social media platforms.
  • Community member George Hazelton, who donated his time to DJ for the event.
  • Liscio's Family Bakery (Chad Vilotti and James Liscio), who donated 3,000 hoagie rolls.
  • Food Service, led by Jennifer Mullin, who secured the food inspection as well as making hoagie trays in the cafeteria kitchen.
  • The WTHS PTO, Dayna's Party Rentals, Beacon Academy, and Exelon Corporation Dollars for Doers Program (on behalf of Mr. Serrano) for their monetary and/or supply donations. 
  • The WTEF for securing raffle cards from businesses for a pre-order raffle.
  • Administrators Mike D'Ostilio, Dr. Eric Hibbs, Kayla Berry, Ray Anderson, Allison Egizi, George Passante, and Janine Wechter, IT engineer Jason Buttacavoli, and Supervisors Melissa McMahon, Joanne Henry, and Jeff Snyder for volunteering their time.
  • Additional staff members and families from the community who stopped by, some unannounced but just wanting to help.
  • High School Interact, Class Council, and Mrs. Emma Avis' class at Bells Elementary School, who made videos to promote the Hoagie Sale.
  • Bells Elementary and Hurffville Elementary, who launched fundraisers to support the Hoagie Sale efforts.
  • Deanna Ettore, Kevin MacNamara, Candace Mroz, and Natalie O'Brien for organizing the students at remote locations for sales.

 

Washington Township community leaders and the Helping Hands Hoagie Sale committee gather for a photo during Sunday's event. They include (left to right): Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Hibbs, Board of Education member Scott Laliberte, WT Mayor Anthony Dellapia, WTPS Director of School Community Outreach Mike D'Ostilio, Town Council vice president Don Brown, WT Police Chief Pat Gurcsik, and Hoagie Sale committee members Heather Finn, Theresa Saponara, Heather Sullivan, Amanda Dacquisto, and Amy Leso.

 

Community member George Hazelton donated his time to DJ the event.

 

Volunteers took turns posing as human hoagies, keeping the mood light.


- WTPS -