Godwin Heights — On Tuesdays at North Godwin Elementary, two things are guaranteed: tacos in the cafeteria and Dan Allen lending a helping hand.
For about 10 years, Allen has volunteered at North Godwin, helping keep the cafeteria tidy and spending time with students.
Allen said his reason for volunteering stems from his late wife, Jan Grey Allen. She was born in the district, attended the school and served as a volunteer, paraprofessional, teacher and school board member.
“She died in 2021 and I wanted to continue her work,” Allen said. “All of our kids went to Godwin Heights. She liked kids and I wanted to take over her legacy of connecting with them.”
Allen also has connections to North Godwin. After working at Kmart and Seven’s Paint & Wallpaper, he concluded his working career with three years as a school custodian.
During that time, he met James Collins, the school’s head custodian.
“We appreciate him so much,” Collins said. “He comes in every Tuesday like clockwork and is really a great help to the school and the community.”
Collins added that Allen’s help is especially appreciated on Taco Tuesday, when the cafeteria can get a little messy.
During his one-and-half-hour shift, Allen spends most of his time sweeping floors, picking up trash and making sure the space is ready for the next lunch period. He also takes time to chat with students.
“He makes lunch fun,” said fourth-grader Skyler Burse.
In the past, Allen said, he held pushup competitions and performed tricks with a broom. Now, he shares photos of his family and his wife’s other passion: rescuing pugs.
“Around the holidays, I put up a picture of me as Santa Claus with my kids when they attended North Godwin,” Allen said. “I call it ‘Dan-a Claus.’”
In addition to volunteering in the cafeteria, Allen walks around the school’s playground about twice a week to pick up trash, providing another valuable service to the school, Collins said.
Allen said picking up trash has become part of his walking routine because he lives just a few blocks from the school. He said he’s happy to help, wherever he can.
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