The Community Club at McParland School had their work cut out.

Thursday was Back to School Night at Manteca Unified’s elementary site. The group of volunteers had the task of feeding those in attendance by preparing 500 hot dogs and 500 hamburger patties purchased from the Community Club fund.

“Profits go back to the school,” Principal Dale Borgeson said. “The money will help our band program and electives.”

After hobnobbing in the cafeteria, families went directly to the classrooms of their students to hear and receive information about the expectations for the upcoming year.

Parents, for their part, are encouraged to get involved in school.

One such way is the Community Club. According to Angie Dudley, who is president of the club, the cost to join for the entire year is $3.

That’s the cost for the hamburger / hot dog dinner served on Back to School Night. Those helping out included Jose Barraza, who, for the fifth straight year, worked the grill to prepare the meats.

Leadership students worked alongside Community Club members in sorting out the chips, watermelon, and bottled water to feed the masses.

“We also got some of our former students (now in high school) back to help out,” said Dudley.

The Community Club has several fundraisers in the works for the coming months.

Included are the mixed reusable bags, the annual Knight-A-Thon, and Santa Night.

“The Knight-A-Thon (in November) is our biggest,” Dudley said. “Students get pledges and walk or run in the yard.”

She tries to keep the fundraising activities to a minimum.

“Our goal is to not involve our parents in too many (fundraisers),” said Dudley, who has been an active member of the Community Club for the past three years.