WHEELING, W.Va. is gearing up for an event that holds great significance for the community. This Saturday, the state's largest food drive is set to take place, with an expected collection of nearly 20,000 pounds of food in just under 5 hours. The initiative has been spearheaded by Catholic Charities for an impressive 54 years.

Engaging the Youth for a Promising Future

The involvement of Wheeling Central students and staff is truly remarkable. As Derek Lantz, the coordinator at Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center, emphasizes, "The youth is everything. The youth is the future. To have them engaged with us on this is promising going forward." Their volunteer efforts create a unique partnership that holds the potential to make a lasting impact.

Collection and Distribution Details

After the collection, the items will be delivered to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and weighed. The collected food will be used to make Christmas boxes for about 250 families, with a surplus expected to last for the next 6 to 9 months. Central Catholic students will be actively involved in picking up boxes of donations across the county before the drive starts. The distribution will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and donations are still being accepted. This shows the collective effort and unity within the community.

Impact and Community Engagement

This food drive is not just about collecting food; it's about bringing the community together. As Lantz said, "Together, we can do anything. So, I think it’s very important for all of us to be on the same page and have that community engagement." It highlights the power of collective action and the positive change that can be achieved when everyone works towards a common goal. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those in need and creating a more inclusive community.