Lake Oconee Academy students and staff turned generosity into action this November, collecting nearly 4,000 pounds of canned and nonperishable food for the Greene County Food Pantry. The schoolwide effort almost doubled last year’s total, setting the tone of giving and hope as the Titan family welcomed Thanksgiving break.
The annual drive, coordinated by Kris Stevens, LOA’s Science Instructional Coordinator for grades 5 to 12, invited Titans of all ages to bring in canned goods, boxed meals and pantry staples throughout the month of November. Collection bins quickly filled hallways and classrooms as students rallied their grade levels to give.
When the final donations were weighed, the impact was clear. “You all are amazing,” wrote Becky Smith, director of the food pantry, in a note LOA. “We weighed your donations, and it was just shy of 4,000 pounds. I think this is almost twice what it was last year. At this critical time of uncertainty with SNAP, your donations will be put to great use.” Shared with staff and families, Ms. Smith’s message was a reminder that every single item matters.
All hands were on deck drive as students helped sort, count and pack donations throughout the schoolwide drive. To wrap things up, Coach Imhof’s Weight Training class spent hours collecting donation boxes from across campus and then organized all items to be easily loaded and transported to the food pantry.
“This project gives our students a real picture of how their actions can help neighbors right here in Greene County,” said Stevens. “They are not just hearing about community service; they are doing it. I am so proud of the way our Titans showed up this year.”
To keep students motivated and to celebrate their hard work, classes competed for the highest participation, with winning groups earning a pizza or ice cream party later in the school year. For many students though, the biggest reward was knowing their efforts would help local families enjoy a fuller pantry this holiday season.
The food drive also created meaningful classroom conversations about gratitude, needs versus wants, and how even small acts of kindness can add up. Teachers used the effort to connect academics with real life, incorporating writing prompts, math activities and discussions about service into their lessons.
School leaders say the drive reflects LOA’s mission to develop students who are not only strong scholars, but also compassionate citizens. “Our students thrive when they see that they can make a difference,” shared LOA’s Chrishandra Perkins, who supported the effort. “This kind of project helps them understand that serving others is an important part of being a Titan.”
For the Greene County Food Pantry, the timing of the donation could not be better. Holidays often bring heightened demand and this year many families are also feeling the impact of changes and uncertainty around SNAP benefits. LOA is helping ensure that shelves remain stocked with essential items that will support local households in the weeks ahead.
As the school community reflects on the success of this year’s drive, there is a shared sense of gratitude for everyone who contributed a can, a box or a bag of groceries. From organizing logistics to hauling heavy boxes, the entire LOA community played a part in making the effort a success. It is a clear example of what can happen when a school rallies together around a common goal, and a powerful reminder that even in busy seasons, there is always room to look outward and care for others.
Lake Oconee Academy plans to continue building on the momentum of this year’s drive, currently collecting toys and coats throughout December for local families during the holiday season. No matter the need, service is always at the heart of the Titan experience.