JHS students help those in need

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Students from Jefferson High School volunteered at the mobile food drop held in October.

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A group of students from Jefferson High School (JHS) in Alexandria did their part to help those in need.

Students from two of Chris Kragenbring’s classes volunteered to help at a mobile food drop, held last week at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria. The drop was sponsored by United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties Community Impact Coalition.

The first food drop was held in July when the coalition recognized that the recent downturn in the economy left many families unable to purchase groceries.

With the support of local community members, the drive was organized through North Country Food Bank. The distribution was a success and was expanded to a monthly event.

Kragenbring’s class volunteered to help at the October food drop after Jessica Boyer, Community Impact director of United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, spoke to the classes about poverty awareness.

“It made me feel good to get involved,” said Randee O’Brien, a JHS senior. “It became instantly evident how big the need is in Alexandria.”

“It touched me to be able to help people who need it,” Meghan Vipond, a junior, agreed. “It made me realize the needs in Alexandria.”

Last week, the students helped distribute about 30,000 pounds of food to more than 300 households.

“It felt good to help people,” said Josh Herrly, JHS student. “Working with random people and getting to know other people was cool. We worked as a team to accomplish a huge task.”

According to Kragenbring, each student who participated in the volunteer effort felt the same way, and they all said they want to help again at future food distribution events.

“It wasn’t just goods people were receiving; it was love and friendship,” student Ryan Dahlquist concluded. “By leaving my comfort zone, I experienced something new that I shall not soon forget.”

Since the food drop, the students are “on fire” to help with the United Way. The class is collecting fresh food items from their churches, school groups and businesses for the next food drive.

Two more mobile food drops are scheduled for Wednesday, November 25 and Wednesday, December 16. Contact Boyer at (320) 763-4840 for future locations.

Tags: food drop, life, school, jhs, students