Price Head Start partnered with Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church Outreach House recently to collect over 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food to help families in need.

Gemale Black, chair of the Parent Committee at Price Head Start, said that the parents, faculty and staff thought it would be beneficial for the children to learn at an early age what it means to give back through community involvement such as the food drive.

From November through early January, donation bins created by each classroom steadily filled with donations. A challenge was issued to parents and the center to fill the bins in an effort to stuff the bus.

“It feels good to be able to give back to the same community that supports us every school year,” said Elan Cowan, Price Head Start director.

The parents at Price Head Start plan to continue implementing activities to instill the values of care, concern, and compassion for the community in their children, Black said. “By empowering the minds of our youth today, we are preparing for a better future tomorrow.”

When presented with the idea of helping with the food drive at Price Head Start, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church Outreach House, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. C. L. Phelps, all but jumped at the opportunity to be of service to the community, according to Black.

The Outreach House already serves as a strong community resource by feeding approximately 30 families a month.

“The joy of being able to give back to the community warms my heart,” said Florence Perry, a coordinator of the Outreach House.

People who need assistance or know someone who does can contact the Outreach House on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1114 W. Horah St., call 704-638-6036 or visit www.gmbc-online.org for more information.