Making a Difference Within Our Community: One Can At A time

Each year, Great Crossing hosts its annual food drive. Through the act of collecting cans and donations, the annual drive is able to connect our students to their community as they help provide items for the Amen House, and the food pantry for Scott County. Helping others during the holiday season is something our school takes great pride in, and reflects two of its guiding principles:  collaboration and compassion.  

Agriculture teacher Emilee Wiler has helped organize the drive since Great Crossing opened. “I have been a part of the drive since 2019. Now instead of competing just from SCHS and GCHS, we are competing with ECS, SCHS, and GCHS. In the end, the Amen House wins!” 

Wiler also emphasized the importance and impact of the drive. “The impact from the drive usually covers the Amen House for 3 months out in a typical year. This year the need is greater than most,” she said.  The rising cost of living expenses has sent many more families to the AMEN House requesting assistance with feeding their families.   

Senior Bailey Maxwell is one of the many students who helps with the drive each holiday season and felt it was important to have a goal. Maxwell said,  “The goal for this year’s drive is 10,000 cans. We hope to achieve this year’s goal by passing out fliers, getting people involved, going door to door, and more similar actions.”

While the food drive runs through November 25th, the AMEN House appreciates help year round. Wiler encourages the GCHS community to consider ways they can help outside of the annual food drive.  Wiler said, “Volunteer or donate at the Amen House. They always accept help or donations year round. It directly impacts our community,” said Wiler.

Maxwell also encourages additional volunteer opportunities. “People who benefit from this food drive are normally people who are in need this holiday season. People who are largely important to our community, who simply need an extra helping hand during the holiday season. Although we need help during the holidays, we also need just as much help year round.”  

At the annual Thanksgiving assembly held on November 25th, it was revealed that the GCHS community collected 22,176 items.  Michele Carlisle, director of the AMEN House, was present to accept the items and praised the Warhawk community for its willingness to help others.  

Community members interested in volunteering with the AMEN House can find more information on their website https://www.amenhouse.org/.