SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WLIO) — Shawnee High School students and staff spent the past several weeks collecting food and hygiene items for local families in need.
Their efforts paid off as cases of food were distributed to more than 50 families within the district. The drive began just after Thanksgiving, with teachers and students collecting items to support families who may need assistance during the holiday season. Organizers collected more than 2,000 food items and household essentials, including laundry detergent, toilet paper and paper towels.
Leigh Kempton, the mental health coordinator for Shawnee Local Schools, said the drive also helped students recognize opportunities to give back close to home.
“A lot of our students want to engage in volunteer opportunities, but they don’t always realize there is also need in our own community,” Kempton said. “This gave us an opportunity to show them they can serve people who live right around them.”
Kempton said the district plans to make the food and hygiene drive an annual tradition.
