GALION — Galion City Schools staff members are leading their students by example through community service of their own. The staff participated in a food drive to support the Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission in Galion during a full day in-service Jan. 13.

The food drive was organized by the district’s Food Services Department. February is Canned Food Month, and the goal was to help offset the cost of providing weekend backpack meals to Galion students.

“Community Action currently provides weekend backpack meals to nearly 100 Galion students,” said Food Services Supervisor Jacki Corona. “Community Action provides drink boxes of 100 percent fruit juice, crackers or other individually wrapped snacks, Easy Mac, or other microwaveable foods that the students can prepare themselves. Soups, fruits and vegetables that come in single serving size cans and have the pop top lid are also used in the program.”

While the staff donated many items to help Community Action, seventh-graders at Galion Middle School pitched in to help, too. The students raised $109 during their winter carnival incentive program.

“Students had to donate to have their picture taken in front of the green screen and printed during the winter carnival,” said Middle School guidance counselor Amanda Watkins. “Students really enjoy this part of the carnival because in the background of their picture, they could be anywhere in the world.”

Students and staff at the Middle School started last year by donating the money raised from the talent show.

The students and staff wanted to contribute again to a local organization this school year.

“Students and staff wanted to donate to a local organization that had a food bank,” said Watkins. “They also wanted to give back to an organization that provides support to nearly 100 students in our district through the Backpack Program.”

“The giving spirit of our students and staff throughout this district is absolutely incredible,” said Superintendent Jim Grubbs. “I am impressed by the culture of giving to the community that is being fostered in all our buildings. Repeatedly, our students and staff are doing amazing things that make me say I’m Proud to be a Tiger!”

If you would like to provide support for the Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission weekend backpack program in Galion, call 419-468-8932. Donations also can be dropped off at their office, 525 Dawsett Ave.