Carl Junction students help deliver over 1,000 food items to local families

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Special delivery today in Carl Junction, courtesy of some young students.

Second and third-graders made the walk from their school building to the fire department, each carrying a non-perishable food item. Those items were part of the kids' annual food drive and will be distributed by the fire department to local organizations as well as families in need before Christmas. Officials say every year this is something that teaches the kids solid servant leadership qualities.

"And getting them to see that servant leadership is important, not just as a kid, but as adults, as well — and teachin' those qualities at a young age — putting them in positions to, to give and show that giving during this Christmas season is extremely important," said Paden Bennett, CJ 2-3 PE teacher.

"Is this somethin' that you'll continue to do as you get older?" asked our photographer.

"Yeah, because it can, like, help our community and make it a stronger place," said Jax Conrad, CJ 3rd grade student.

"It's important in any community, but a lot of times people see it as more of an importance in a smaller community. You know, Carl Junction's not the — not a — not a huge community. A lot of us on the fire department have been here our whole entire lives, as well. So, it just means more whenever you're givin' back to the community that you're from," said Andrew Jiles, CJFD assistant chief.

This year, the kids collected and delivered 1,143 items.