LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Heir Force Community School has wrapped up its 10th annual food drive, collecting more than 5,000 nonperishable items for families in need.
This holiday season, students gathered everything from canned vegetables and boxed meals to noodles, water and even laundry detergent.
Over the past decade, the school estimates the annual drive has resulted in more than 80,000 donated items across Allen County.
This year’s collection is heading to the Neighborhood Relief Ministries food pantry, where organizers say demand is increasing as Christmas approaches.
“We just had Thanksgiving passing and, you know, getting people something that they can enjoy the holiday with. And that’s kind of where we’re at right now as Christmas is rolling up. We want to make sure that everybody has, you know, a good, solid meal for Christmas,” said Jay Edwards, co-owner of Neighborhood Relief Thrift Store and Ministries.
“Hopefully, you know, we’ve been able to instill in them values of the power of giving, the power of collective community, working together toward a cause, understanding the importance of being a community steward, and all of these values and attributes I hope will always contribute to not only their development here at Heir Force Community School, but things that they can take with them in the future,” said Dr. Willie Heggins, executive director of Heir Force Community School.
“It’s really just been a growth process, because it hasn’t always been this big. So we’ve really been growing up with it. And, you know, just being able to give to those in need was always a positive to not only us, but the city,” said Dakai Callahan, an eighth grader at Heir Force.
If you’re in need or would like to donate to Neighborhood Relief, you can visit https://www.neighborhoodrelief.com/
