MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio — Students and staff from Berea City Schools helped members of the local community by hosting a food drive on Wednesday.
"The stores are really empty right now, so it's hard to get what you need," said Jillian Shelton. "It's scary, having two kids. It's just hard. I lost both my jobs."
Shelton, a substitute teacher and server, took advantage of the district's food drive.
"Thank you guys so much, you are a blessing," said Shelton.
In just a few short days, the community dropped off enough food to hand out more than 600 bags filled with things like cereal, peanut butter and cleaning supplies.
"It was just unbelievable the amount of people that donated," said Anthony Comer, a Berea Midpark High School student.
Comer, a junior, volunteered to sort and distribute the donations.
"I feel like their lives are very effected by this. They are very appreciative of what we're doing here. Just to know I'm making a difference in someone's life means the world to me," said Comer.
While their mission was helping fill an unexpected void during this pandemic, the volunteers were also very aware of the need for having a little fun.
"Their positivity -- they're making everyone jump around. It's just awesome. I just want to thank God for them," said Amanda Gutwirth.
While communities continue to band together to weather these unprecedented times, Comer has a message for us all.
"With everything going on in this world, as long as we pull together, we can conquer anything. That's what I see in this."
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