LIMA, OH (WLIO) - They are learning the meaning of citizenship and the value of empathy for others.
Students at Heir Force Community School have been collecting non-perishable food items since November and today donated the 5,000 items to the Neighborhood Relief Store which is located at 1500 Elida Road in Lima. The annual food drive not only supports people in their time of need but teaches the students to be the "Positive" that is needed in society.
"We've done this since kindergarten and we all love giving back to the community. We have grown to love doing it," commented Hailey Hinkle, 6th grader.
"This is amazing. The kids have done a phenomenal job again this year. It just blows me away every year. We're going to get this out to the community. We have seen a tremendous need. The need has actually gone up so this is going to help a lot of families," said David Roznowski, Neighborhood Relief Store.
"I couldn't be more proud of my kids and my staff, and my team and the contributions that we try to make to make life a little bit better, particularly this time of the year," stated Dr. Willie Heggins, executive director of Heir Force Community Schools.
The school has collected more than 75,000 non-perishable food items in the last 7 years of the food drive. They have supported the West Ohio Food Bank, Our Daily Bread, and several local church groups with their efforts.
