The spirit of service and giving took practical form as Killeen High School Junior ROTC cadets filled boxes of food for pick up.
The 34 student cadets spent much of Wednesday morning filling 154 boxes with non-perishable food items to benefit local families.
They labored in a classroom at the Jackson Professional Learning Center, site of KISD’s Homeless Awareness Response Program that includes a food pantry.
Just over 500 KISD students are currently identified as homeless based on the federal definition.
Killeen ISD HARP provides a food box and donated toys to qualified families that request them for the holiday break.
Unexpired non-perishable food donations are always welcome and needed. Items can be dropped off at the JPLC building at 902 Rev. R.A. Abercrombie Drive in Killeen during business hours when school is in session.
For more HARP information see the following: https://www.killeenisd.org/o/kisd/page/homeless-program-harp
Cadets said they were thrilled to assist in the service effort knowing they were helping their own neighbors.
Jada Masao, a senior KHS cadet said it was fulfilling to help her own peers and others in Killeen in need.
“Today we’re packing boxes for HARP. We’re here to help people in our community in need. We just want to give back to our community and want everyone to know that we care and we see you,” she said.
“It’s important to give back. I love volunteer work, seeing smiles on people’s faces, knowing I’m doing something to better our community makes me happy.”
“Knowing we could give our hands into this project is very nice for us.”
“Today is all about helping HARP. We’re come to pack boxes. It gives us a good way to serve,” said Dayshawn McHenry, also a senior cadet.
“Knowing that I’m helping people in need feels amazing. I’m very grateful.”
The KHS battalion also assists Killeen Elementary School and middle schools in the area when they request volunteers.
See photos from the KHS JROTC service project here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720330857549