Ten Ottumwa High School students were on a mission this morning. Their goal was to purchase the necessary food items needed for six families to host a Thanksgiving meal. The items will be boxed up and delivered to the families later today.
This is an annual tradition for the Ottumwa High School Interact Club. They hope to make Thanksgiving a little easier for six local families. “It’s a way to give back to the community,” said senior Kyleigh Wagner. She has been a part of this activity the past three years. “The families are extremely appreciative,” she said.
Students were busy Tuesday morning shopping at South Hy-Vee. Three carts were filled with turkeys, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, corn, gravy, cranberry sauce, and the makings for pumpkin pie. Football concessions and a 5K race in the spring provide funds for these types of activities.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Wesley Melendet, an OHS junior. “We are able to give back to families less fortunate than us. It’s a cool idea.”
Each family selected has a student at Ottumwa High School. Shopping and delivery are done during the day while the students are in school, according to club sponsor, Stephanie Vallone. Interact members do not know who the recipients of the meals are.
Students participating in the project included: Anahy Nunez, Wesley Melendez, Nayeli Juarez, Alexis Vancenbrock, Hannah Jeffrey, Haleigh Conners, Olivia Bohlmann, Kyleigh Wagner, Leslie Bahena, and Danae Dorothy. Sponsors are Victoria Rusch and Stephanie Vallone.
