Feeding the Future: Community Rallies to Support Hungry Students in Wood County

As the new school year approaches, a collaborative effort is underway in Wood County, West Virginia, to ensure that no child goes hungry. WTAP, a local news station, has teamed up with three community organizations to spearhead a food donation drive aimed at providing nourishment for students who may lack access to food outside of the school setting.

Nourishing Young Minds: A Community-Driven Initiative

Addressing the Need

The food drive is a response to a pressing issue in the region, as Mike Tucker, the President and CEO of the West Virginia Credit Union, explains. "We understand it's about eleven hundred that are in need each week here in Wood County, in school systems, and various groups are trying to meet that need." This staggering statistic highlights the importance of the community's collective effort to support these vulnerable children.

Sustaining the Effort

Jessica Rockhold, the operations supervisor at Grogg's Heating and Cooling, emphasizes the need for ongoing support. "We want to gather as much as we can to be able to take care of as many kids as we can, for as long as we can. It's not just one day of the week. We are collecting for multiple days of the week and multiple weekends. So, it's important to collect as much as possible."

Ensuring Accessibility

Dwight Ullman, the general manager of Sunset Memorial Funeral Homes, underscores the importance of donating items that are easily accessible for the children. "It's very important that the people that are bringing food to us stop and think about what they are bringing. Make sure they bring stuff that a kindergartner or a 1st grader can open, prepare, and eat by themselves. Because a lot of these kids, and their parents aren't there when we need to eat. So, they have to do it themselves."

Expanding the Reach

The food drive is not limited to a single event but rather an ongoing effort to support the children of Wood County. Donations will continue to be accepted at all participating locations, ensuring that the community's commitment to nourishing young minds remains steadfast.

Fostering Community Engagement

The collaboration between WTAP, the West Virginia Credit Union, Grogg's Heating and Cooling, and Sunset Memorial Funeral Homes exemplifies the power of community partnerships in addressing pressing social issues. By pooling their resources and expertise, these organizations are able to amplify the impact of their efforts and inspire others to join the cause.

Empowering the Next Generation

The food drive is not just about providing sustenance; it's about investing in the future of Wood County's children. By ensuring that they have access to nutritious meals, the community is laying the foundation for their academic and personal success, empowering them to reach their full potential.