City students from Buffalo Promise Neighborhood schools participated in a lesson of giving Monday to help those in need. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says the students from Westminster Community Charter and Highgate Heights Elementary helped prepare holiday food donations in the University District.
Students gathered in the basement of United Methodist Church on Minnesota Avenue where they sorted through dozens and dozens of canned goods they collected the last 35-days.
“And these kids are civic minded – they’re very civic minded,” said Beverly David-Lewis, community affairs director, Buffalo Promise.
David-Lewis said because some students are from impoverished families -- students were given two choices – donate a canned good or make a card for a family in need.
“These schools collected over 1,600 cans, so despite it all – despite what people say –whether they struggle, their families are struggling or not, our families were still able to give back,” remarked David-Lewis.
“You know it’s very exhilarating,” declared Bernice Prince, community member with Buffalo Promise.
Prince tells WBFO News she was amazed by the students’ participation.
“I love seeing the children participate. They’re very eager and willing to be helpful, and like you said, they might be from a family that doesn’t have a lot, but right now it’s all about giving,” said Prince.
Students from both reacted with their responses for our microphones as they worked on the donation project.
“It’s awesome, because just the thought of knowing that people are going to get food when they don’t have it – it’s just amazing.”
Students prepared the non-perishable items for food baskets that will be distributed to those in need this holiday season.
“I just like to help people out because there’s like people who don’t have a lot.”
“Help the other people that don’t have the things that I have.”
Westminster and Highgate Heights students tell us they felt empowered to help others in need.
“It’s amazing because just saying to help – it’s not enough – you actually have to do it – kind of like an activist – you can’t say you’re an activist if you just did one thing.”
“It made me feel like a hero to the ones that don’t have food.”