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Wheeling Central Catholic's 54th Annual Canned Food Drive Begins

2024-12-03

Wheeling Central Catholic High School is gearing up for its highly anticipated 54th-annual canned food drive. This event not only showcases the school's commitment to the community but also provides a valuable learning experience for students. With over 6,000 donation bags set to be distributed across various neighborhoods, the drive aims to replenish the shelves of the Catholic Charities 18th Street Center after the busy Thanksgiving season.

"Join the Wheeling Central Catholic Food Drive - A Season of Giving"

Students and Staff on the Front Lines

In the front row, we have CCHS Campus Minister Kristy Riedel along with Emma Blum, Isabella Brown, and Hazel Tatich. In the back, Brady Kerr, Vincent DeCarlo, and Luke Miller stand ready. These students and staff members are at the heart of the canned food drive, working together to make a difference. On Monday, CCHS Principal Rebbeca Sancomb emphasized the significance of this day, stating that they take 100% of their students, faculty, and staff out into the neighborhoods to drop off the donation bags. The bags are easily recognizable, and people know exactly how to fill them and place them out on Saturday.

This initial step sets the tone for the entire drive, as it brings the school community together and gets the ball rolling. It shows the students that they have a role to play in helping those in need and instills a sense of community spirit.

The sight of these dedicated individuals distributing the bags is a powerful reminder of the impact that one small act can have. It inspires others to get involved and contribute to the cause.

Distribution and Collection

This morning, the students, faculty, and staff will hit the streets of Wheeling to distribute over 6,000 donation bags. These bags will be placed on the doorsteps of homes in Woodsdale, Dimmeydale, Elm Grove, Warwood, and other neighborhoods. The goal is to fill these bags with canned goods and other non-perishable food items.

On Saturday, they will make their rounds again to collect the filled bags from the residents. This process ensures that the drive is a true community effort, with everyone playing a part in collecting and donating food.

The organization and coordination required for such a large-scale drive are no small feat. However, the team at Wheeling Central Catholic is up to the challenge, working tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Helping Those in Need

The items collected from the drive will be sorted and sent to the Catholic Charities 18th Street Center. This center plays a crucial role in providing assistance to families in need in and around the Wheeling area. After the Thanksgiving season, the pantries often get depleted, and this drive helps to restock them.

In addition to replenishing the shelves, the donations will also be used to prepare holiday/winter baskets for families. These baskets bring a little bit of joy during the festive season and help families get through the winter months.

By participating in this drive, students learn the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others. It is a valuable lesson that stays with them long after they graduate.

Setting a Record

Last year, the drive collected 1,700 lbs of food. This year, Principal Sancomb hopes to beat that number. The drive is a source of pride for the school, and they are determined to make it even more successful.

With the entire student body, faculty, and staff involved, there is a sense of unity and purpose. Everyone is working towards a common goal of helping those in need.

The competition to collect more food adds an extra layer of excitement to the drive. It motivates everyone to do their best and contribute as much as possible.

Teaching Important Values

Apart from helping families in need, the drive also serves as a valuable teaching tool. It demonstrates to students the importance of being "connected to their community and using their God-given talents to serve others."

At the core of the school's mission is the idea of thinking and acting like Christ, and service is a key component. The canned food drive is a tangible way for students to put this into practice.

By the time they graduate, students take away the importance of service and community involvement. It becomes a part of their identity and shapes their future actions.

Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant entertainment scene, is also facing a significant issue - food deserts. A local nonprofit is taking a proactive approach to address this problem by expanding its efforts. The initiative, the Groceries on the Go program, is set to introduce a new mobile food pantry early next year with the support of Just One Project and UnitedHealthcare. This mobile pantry is dedicated to bringing fresh produce and healthy groceries to the underserved areas of Southern Nevada. Since its start in 2021, the program has already served over 17,000 individuals, making a substantial impact on food security. The expansion is expected to further alleviate food insecurity in the region and provide much-needed assistance to those in need.

Empowering Communities with Fresh Groceries

The Groceries on the Go Program - A Game Changer

The Groceries on the Go program is a revolutionary initiative that aims to bridge the gap between food availability and those who are struggling with food deserts. By providing a mobile pantry, it brings the convenience of fresh groceries directly to the doorstep of underserved communities. This not only saves time and effort for the residents but also ensures they have access to healthy food options.

With the help of Just One Project and UnitedHealthcare, the program has been able to grow and reach more people. The collaboration between these organizations has allowed for the efficient distribution of resources and the implementation of effective strategies to combat food insecurity. The success of the program so far is a testament to the power of collective efforts in making a positive change.

Alleviating Food Insecurity in Southern Nevada

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Southern Nevada, affecting many individuals and families. The mobile food pantry introduced by the Groceries on the Go program is a crucial step in addressing this problem. It provides a reliable source of fresh produce and healthy groceries, which are often scarce in food deserts. By reaching out to underserved areas, the program is able to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are in need.

The expansion of the program is expected to have a significant impact on the region. It will increase the availability of food and improve the nutritional status of the community. This, in turn, can lead to better health outcomes and a more sustainable future for Southern Nevada.

Making a Lasting Impact Since 2021

Since its inception in 2021, the Groceries on the Go program has been making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families. Over 17,000 people have already benefited from this initiative, receiving fresh produce and healthy groceries that they may not have had access to otherwise. The program has become a lifeline for many, providing them with the means to nourish themselves and their families.

The success of the program is a result of the dedicated efforts of the local nonprofit, Just One Project, and UnitedHealthcare. Their collaboration has allowed for the seamless operation of the mobile food pantry and the continuous delivery of essential goods. This ongoing commitment to serving the community is what sets the Groceries on the Go program apart and makes it a model for other similar initiatives.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the holiday season presents a challenging time for many as food struggles become more prevalent. The US Department of Agriculture's latest figures reveal a concerning trend - an increasing number of households across the country, including here in our area, are facing difficulties in feeding their families. In 2023 alone, approximately 18 million households did not have access to sufficient food.

"Helping Birmingham's Hungry Families This Holiday Season"

USDA's Data on Food Insecurity

The USDA's reports over the last four years paint a clear picture of the growing issue. In 2020, 13.8 million households were affected. In 2021, it was 13.5 million, and in 2022, it rose to 17 million. The most recent data shows that in 2023, the number has reached a staggering 18 million households. These numbers highlight the urgent need for assistance. 2: Such a significant increase in the number of food-insecure households is a cause for concern. It indicates that more and more families are struggling to put food on the table, even during the holiday season when one might expect a bit of respite.

Community Food Bank's Work

The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. They collaborate with over 300 distribution partners, demonstrating their extensive reach and commitment. Development Director Ginger Pegues emphasizes that one in six people in our area do not have enough food, and a major factor is the continuous rise in grocery store prices. 2: During the holiday season, the food bank ramps up its distributions to meet the heightened demand. As Pegues stated, to actually fulfill the need for food insecurity in Central Alabama, they need to distribute 44 million meals. Last year, they managed to distribute 21 million meals, but there is still a long way to go as the need continues to grow.

Holiday Food Box Distribution

On Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Talladega Superspeedway, the food bank will be giving away 500 holiday food boxes. This is a first-come, first-served opportunity for those in need. It provides a glimmer of hope during the holiday season. 2: By offering these food boxes, the food bank is directly helping families have a more festive and nourishing holiday. It shows that there is support available for those who are struggling.

Finding Nearby Distribution Centers

If you don't live close to the Talladega Superspeedway distribution, you can check out the food bank's Find Free Food tab. This allows you to search for distribution locations near your home, making it easier for you to access the assistance you need. 2: With this convenient tool, more people can find the help they require and ensure that their families have enough to eat during this challenging time.Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.