Kiwanis, UCS keep food drive thriving after nearly 40 years

Utica Community Schools students are at the heart of a nearly 40-year tradition that supports local families over the holiday season.

This year, 22 UCS schools banded together to help raise food and supplies for one of the largest community food drives sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sterling Heights.

UCS Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said the drive reflects how partnerships make a difference in the community.

“The success of the Kiwanis food drive shows again that we have great students who are learning how to be contributing members of their community,” she said.

Kiwanis members called this year’s drive one of its largest in history.

“We could not have such a successful program without the contribution of Utica Community Schools,” said Kiwanis Vice President Jeff Henderson.

Throughout the past month, schools across UCS held local drives for canned and boxed items such as vegetables, fruit, soup, beans, meat, ramen noodles and cereal.

In addition to food collected through schools, the Kiwanis purchased fresh apples, potatoes, onions and carrots for families.

The items supported 165 families in need this season, according to the Kiwanis. The drive also provided 750 children’s gifts and $25 Meijer gift cards.

Additional food collected was donated to area food banks and pantries.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org

Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools