APPALREAD Canned Food Drive

APPALREAD, an AmeriCorps program of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, recently partnered with Goodwill Industries and the Shepherd of the Hills Mission in an effort to promote a state wide canned food drive, sponsored by the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps members with APPALREAD helped to make a difference on October 22nd, National "Make A Difference Day," according to Beth Deaton, APPALREAD Project Coordinator.

The We "CAN" Make A Difference event was held at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College's Williamson Campus. APPALREAD reading coaches from Burch Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, Riverside Elementary, Matewan Elementary, Kermit K-8, and Lenore K-8, along with other community volunteers came together to sort and count the 1,833 cans of food collected during a two week drive. Marcela Charles, Principal at Matewan High School also participated in the canned food drive. Harvey Atkinson with the Shepherd of the Hills Mission received the canned food to be distributed to 18 local food pantries in Mingo County. AmeriCorps encourages people with disabilities to volunteer.