JOHNS FORK, Ky. (WYMT) - Students at Jones Fork Elementary School in Knott County run their very own food pantry for kids and families in need.
Mary Gibson, a seventh grader who manages the pantry, says the idea started nearly three years ago.
"Well, how the pantry got started was we heard that a kid needed food at the house," Gibson said.
When Mrs. Misty Keens and Mary, a fourth grader at the time, heard of the student's need, they hopped in the car and went grocery shopping.
"Me and Mrs. Keens went to the store and bought that kid a big 'ole box of food," she said.
The small gesture quickly turned into a large student-run project. With the help of a grant and many local donors, Mary and her classmates now reach out to kids and provide them with food.
No name is asked for, only their grade. Mrs. Keens says they ask as little as possible hoping kids will feel comfortable taking what they need.
Mason Breeding, a sixth grader, says helping out with the pantry makes him feel good especially since he knows so many need food to eat.
"There's about eight kids every day [that stop by] ... eight or ten," Breeding said.
These kids take initiative to stock every shelf and take inventory of supplies. Every day, their principal says they sacrifice their recess to help meet the needs of these kids and their families.
Principal Jared Huff is beyond proud of his kids. He says this is a prime example that not all lessons are taught from a textbook.
"This is a lesson that not necessarily meets the state curriculum but a lesson for the brotherhood of your friends and families of this community," he said.
Now, out of the goodness of their hearts, they give back all year round. They hope to give enough food out to the community so that no dinner table is left empty this Thanksgiving.
Gibson says they never expect anything in return, but greatly appreciate when people stop by to say thank you.
"We've had a third or fourth grader come in on his own and hug either me or Mason and say, 'Thank you because I didn't have any food at home,'" she said.
Keens says nearly five crisis boxes have been sent home with children.
Principal Huff says they are happy to not only give to their students but also any adults who reach out to the school.
