by Henry Wong

Every year, the Bellbrook High School After-Prom is sponsored by local businesses which donate food, money, and prizes. This year, student government officers from the Junior class and the After-Prom Committee decided it was only fitting to somehow give back to the community and a food drive was held in tandem with Prom and After-Prom ticket sales. To encourage donations, a “Dinner & a Movie” raffle prize was offered, giving donors a chance for every can donated. A total of 43 unexpired cans was collected, which will be donated to the Harmony Creek Church located at 5280 Bigger Rd in Kettering, Ohio.

The church serves as a food pantry the 3rd Saturday of every month and every Thursday from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. Harmony Creek Church collaborates with two other local churches, Fairhaven Church and St. Charles, to supply the food pantry. Their Feeding Friends outreach program provides food assistance to those living in areas with zip codes of 45429, 45440, 45458 and 45459. Clients are also required to show a valid eligibility form from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

The pantry is only 3.5 miles away from the high school and shows that even in the comfortable suburbs, poverty and hunger still exists. Those more fortunate can lend a hand by calling the church’s number (937) 434-3941 to donate or volunteer.