SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — At Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church, a school bake sale gave voters a chance to grab a bite to eat after they cast their ballot.
A large table filled with baked goods sat in the corner of the polling location. Volunteers handed out homemade treats — cookies, pies, and brownies. It served as one final stop before voters left the polls.
Bellevue Heights Nursery School organized the fundraiser, which gave voters a way to support the school. The proceeds will go toward school supplies, new materials and staff. For the volunteers, it wasn’t just about selling baked goods, but also connecting with the community.
“Provide goodies and things for voters to look forward to but then also raise much needed funds for our school to keep our program going,” said Kathy Tornatore, director of Bellevue Heights Nursery School.
For voters, the bake sale offered an opportunity to support local education while they exercised their right to vote.
“I’ve lived in the neighborhood for more than 35 years and voted here. While my children did not attend the nursery school here, we understand and appreciate what this nursery school offers the neighborhood and the local families,” said Beth Trunfio, a Strathmore neighborhood resident.
“It’s been tremendous,” Tornatore said around 11:30 a.m. “I’d say we’re probably close to a third of the way sold out already.”