North Canton Middle School Fundraiser for Local Men's Shelter

The Student Leadership Council at North Canton Middle School, along with the support of the Character Counts Committee, organized a Pay It Forward week in April. The week kicked off with an all-school assembly with Bill Ballenger and the group Break the Grey. This assembly focused on character development and the fact that character is a choice. This coincides with the Pillars of Character displayed and encouraged throughout North Canton Middle School. The week continued by encouraging NCMS students and staff to display good character by “paying it forward” to the Refuge of Hope, a local men's shelter, by collecting men's hygiene products and liquid laundry detergent. Over 1700 items were collected and donated.  The Refuge of Hope is one of only two men’s emergency shelters in Stark County. They also have a meal ministry where they serve hot meals six days a week to men, women, and children. Mr. Wykoff, the Executive Director of Refuge of Hope, said, “The value of what you have given to Refuge of Hope is beyond measure. Such donations allow those we serve realize there are people who do truly care about them. It bodes quite well for your school and for Stark County that your staff, teachers and students have the freedom and support to make a positive difference in the community in which they live. Without such support, there would be no meals, no shelter and, most importantly, no hope for so many who have so little in their lives."