REEDS SPRING, Mo -- Some Reeds Spring high school students are not only looking to help their classmates inside the high school, but also at home. They run a food pantry for students and families in need.
The food pantry was started five years ago, so if anyone in the district needs food, clothing, or even toiletries, they can stop by and pick out what they need.
The pantry opened after the school hosted a food drive.
"We knew we had some extra space and we knew that we always have some extra food leftover." said John Kessinger, a teacher at the high school who helps run the food pantry. The student leadership group that runs the food pantry is called Cornerstone, and is lead by Kessinger.
"We emptied out an old storage closet and then we started stocking food in here. And then in the last two years we have expanded to clothing anywhere from small kids to adults and retired people. And then we have hygiene products which we started last year." Kessinger explained.
Families in the district are able to take two trips a month to the food pantry to pick out what they need.
"I wanted to be apart of something bigger than me. I could get out and help communities, I could help parents. Everybody is affected by it so I feel like it is making a big impact." said Brooke Davis, a senior who helps with the pantry.
The students who help run the pantry want to see it continue to grow. Soon they want add take home meals for students from unused food in the cafeteria.
"Some of these students I am best friends with or that I have grown up with." said Tyler Rogers, a senior who helps with the pantry.
"A really good feeling, a warm feeling to know that we are there to help others and our student body within our school." explained Olivia Mottle, a senior who helps with the pantry.
They also want to make sure students who are new to the district will feel at home.
"We also want a spirit clothing section where when a new kid comes into a district, they can get some wolves apparel so they aren’t wearing clothes from another school or make them feel out of place." added Kessinger.
"It takes away the stress, it takes away the money issue, it is just there for you." Rogers added.
If you would like more information on the food pantry, you can reach Kessinger at jkessinger@wolves.k12.mo.us
