Mifflinburg Kiwanis and school district organize food drive to support 73 families

Dec. 22—MIFFLINBURG — 73 families within the Mifflinburg Area School District will be receiving food to support them this holiday season thanks to the efforts of the Mifflinburg Kiwanis and the school district.

Around 100 volunteers gathered in the cafeteria of the Mifflinburg Area Middle School Friday afternoon to box up donations collected from the community.

Friday's volunteers consisted of many of the district's high school students who were involve din organizations like the Key Club, National Honor Society, wrestling and football teams as well as staff members from the district, said Don Bowman, chairperson of the Mifflinburg Kiwanis.

Mackenzie Vasbinder, a high school senior, said she had a great experience helping with the project last year and looked forward to volunteering again.

"It just feels good to make an impact and give back," she said.

Senior Troy Dressler and sophomore Mason Schneck said volunteering was helping them get into the Christmas spirit and spread some joy.

Several churches contributed as well as the Mifflinburg schools themselves and others wanting to give, according to Bowman.

The intermediate school alone made quite the contribution to the project and paraded boxes of donations, totaling 1,600 items to the middle school Wednesday. The school principal and officer transported even more to the building in a truck, said Sally Rothermel, secretary of the Mifflinburg Kiwanis.

Rothermel and Bowman both remarked on the importance of the younger generation getting involved in community projects like the one in Mifflinburg.

"The younger generation may not realize that there are people in need right here," Rothermel said.

Bowman added, "These kids get a chance to do something nice for others. It helps them become well rounded."

Natalie Gemberling, a sophomore and member of the Key Club, said she was surprised to see the number of people in her community who needed a little extra help.

"It's crazy how many people need help and then you come here and there is so many donation and families," she said.

Gemberling recommended getting involved in these sorts of projects throughout communities. "I've always thought about doing this, and now I'm actually here and it feels really good," she said.