Bellows Fall, VT -- Kurn Hattin Homes Student Council recently concluded a successful food drive with a personal delivery of 109 non-perishable food items to Our Place Drop-In Center in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Welcoming the group and accepting the donation were Executive Director David Billings and Operations Manager Amanda Reed who welcomed the students and shared insight about the center’s vital community services.

Billings explained that Our Place collects more than 170,000 pounds of food annually, serves more than 30,000 meals annually, and offers free food, personal items, and warm clothing to those in need. In addition to being a food pantry, it serves as a warming station, providing a haven for those seeking warmth and nourishment.

During their visit to Our Place, the students delivered the donations, learned about its mission, and connected with community members benefitting from the center's programs.

Social Studies and Civics teacher Deborah Velto, who serves as the mentor for Student Council, says that the goal is to develop leadership skills by organizing school activities, service projects, and events that help improve the school and the surrounding community.

"This experience was eye-opening for our students," said Velto. "They realized the importance of community and how essential it is to ensure no one goes hungry and how their efforts can make a difference.”

About Kurn Hattin Homes

Since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, located in Westminster, VT, has helped thousands of children and their families by offering a safe home and quality education in a nurturing environment. To learn more, please visit kurnhattin.org.

About Our Place Drop-In Center

Our Place Drop-In Center is a daytime drop-in center that offers help with food and other essential needs in a nonjudgmental, safe, and respectful atmosphere. Since our founding in 1993, we’ve served up food and community to Rockingham and Westminster, Vermont; Walpole, New Hampshire; and surrounding areas. Located in Bellows Falls, Vermont, we serve the community through free meals, a food pantry, social service resources, and grocery delivery to seniors and disabled people. To learn more, please visit ourplacevermont.org.