More than 200 Landstown High School students volunteered to unload and bag groceries for needy people across Virginia Beach.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A cafeteria full of teenagers and 28,000 pounds of food translates into help for families in need across the city of Virginia Beach.

More than 200 students from Landstown High School gathered to unload and repackage food provided by Operation Blessing. Vegetables, soup, gravy, pasta, drinks and candy were among some of the items students stuffed into more than 2,000 bags.

“I can come have a good time with my friends while knowing I am doing something to help the people who live around me,” said Denna, a senior at Landstown. “I think what I am doing here is just a small way to help the world become a better place.”

Students formed long lines that stretched from inside the truck, across the courtyard and through the cafeteria. The boxes moved swiftly though each person’s hands and ended up separated in stacks where teams unloaded the items to prepare for bagging.

“This is a great way for the students to see what community service is all about,” said Landstown principal, Brian Baxter. “It’s about doing what we can to give back to the community.”

About 700 families benefited from the event. Each family received between two to four bags, depending on the number of people in the household.

The partnership between Landstown and OBI started in 2000 before the high school was built. During construction, the future principal who was working at Landstown Middle School contacted OBI.

“We are doing what no other school in this district does,” Baxter said. “It’s a great partnership that reaches thousands of people.”

Landstown contacts the 86 other schools in the district to see which families need help. Through a registration process, Virginia Beach residents were able to come pick up their food later that same week.

The partnership between Landstown and OBI started in 2000 before the high school was built. “We are doing what no other school in this district does,” said Brian Baxter, Landstown's principal.

“I loved being a part of this so much last year, I had to come back again this year,” said Jocelyn, a senior at Landstown. “I know I have the things I need in life and I want to do what I can to help others get what they need.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1997- 2010 by Operation Blessing International of this page and all contents. No part of this site may be used without prior written consent from OBI. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Email us at operation.blessing@ob.org.