BIBB COUNTY, Ga. — Windsor Academy students are working to make sure their neighbors don't go hungry this holiday season through their participation in 13WMAZ's annual "Stuff the Truck" food drive.
The school has set an ambitious goal of collecting more than 3,000 non-perishable food items this year, hoping to significantly surpass their previous contribution of over 2,000 items from last year's drive.
"We'll take canned foods, take them, help out the homeless and you know, feed the other people in need," said Carter Saylor, a senior at Windsor Academy. "Some of it will go to the hurricane survivors and people who are struggling and not being able to afford anything."
The initiative brings together students from all grade levels, from kindergarten through high school, in a collaborative effort to support those facing food insecurity in Central Georgia.
"It feels great because like, you have food and they don't really," student Mattie Bryan said. "It feels great to give to them."
She is a fourth-grader who has participated in the drive for several years.
Students gather the donated items and load them into vehicles before delivering them to the main collection truck. The school has participated in the "Stuff the Truck" event for six years, making it an integral part of their community service efforts.
Seventh-grader Piper Thomas emphasized the importance of making time to help others.
"You should, if you have the ability to do it," she said. "You should and not, not do it just because you don't have time. You should always make sure that you have time to help others."
For many students, the drive provides a tangible way to support their community while learning valuable lessons about giving back.
"It makes us feel better and makes us feel like a better person to help out other people," Saylor said. "Being able to help out in the community, making me feel like a better person knowing that I'm actually trying to do something and just not sitting around."
The collected items will be distributed to local charities and organizations that help those in need, with a particular focus on providing support during the holiday season. Many of the donations will help ensure families can enjoy a proper Thanksgiving meal.
"I hope that they just have like a good meal on Thanksgiving and that they have food to eat," Thomas said.
"Stuff the Truck" serves as a community-wide initiative to combat food insecurity and support local families in need. Windsor Academy's participation is just one of several schools teaching students about the importance of giving back.
You can find the dates for our donation drives below and click on the article below to learn how you can donate to help hungry families this holiday season.
2024 Stuff the Truck dates, times, and locations
Tuesday, November 19 - Milledgeville
Location: Walmart - 2592 N Columbia St
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 20 - Dublin
Location: Walmart - 2423 US-80 West
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 - Macon and Warner Robins
Location: Walmart - 5955 Zebulon Rd
Location: Walmart - 2720 Watson Blvd
Time: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (both locations)
Start collecting non-perishable items today and we'll see you there!
Need help deciding what items to donate? Check out the list below!
- Canned vegetables (low sodium preferred)
- Canned fruits (no sugar added)
- Canned meats – tuna, chicken
- Soups, stews, chili
- Breakfast items – cereal, breakfast bars
- Rice, pasta
- Macaroni and cheese dinners
- Peanut butter
For more information, click here to see the full details.