Wrapping up the Fill The Big Bus Food Drive: A community victory

By BRANDY DEICHERT
2024-25 President, Rotary Club of Westerville —

As we wrap-up the Fill The Big Bus Middle School Food Drive, the Rotary Club of Westerville is filled with gratitude and pride.

Held in partnership with the Westerville Education Challenge (WEC) and The Big Bus, the drive was an incredible success. Together, we rallied our community to make a tangible difference in the lives of students facing food insecurity in our middle schools.

The grand finale of the food drive occurred at the WEC’s Night of Hope 5K on Saturday, Aug. 24, where 230 walkers and runners joined in a powerful demonstration of community spirit and commitment to student wellness.

Thanks to the generosity of our Rotarians and the wider Westerville community, we collected a total of 705 pounds of food. These donations are being distributed across all five Westerville middle schools, ensuring that students have access to kid-friendly, nutritious food in their school pantries.

This effort was born out of concern for our students’ basic needs, voiced by dedicated middle school staff members like Minerva Park Middle School Counselor Jill Huck and Food Service Manager Lauri Jones. Tracy Davidson, Rotarian and board member of WEC, The Big Bus, and the Westerville City School District, inspired us to act to meet this need.

As we conclude this food drive, we are reminded that when we come together, we can accomplish great things. The Rotary Club of Westerville is proud to have played a role in this important initiative, and we look forward to continuing our work to support the well-being of our students and our community.

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, and supported the Fill The Big Bus Middle School Food Drive! Your contributions will make a real difference in the lives of students, helping to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.