Shelby County Teen Students Support Homebound Seniors
“Seniors Feeding Seniors” Service Project returns for Third Year

SHELBYVILE, Ky — A meaningful local tradition continues to gain momentum and connect generations. Now in its third year, Independence Bank’s “Seniors Feeding Seniors” project continues to bring students from Martha Layne Collins High School and Shelby County High School together in a united effort to fight food insecurity among area homebound senior citizens.

Led by students and supported by school staff, community donors and local partners—including the Shelby County Community Foundation and local businesses—the initiative collects food and monetary donations for two weeks each spring. The efforts cumulate to delivery day that feels more like a holiday, when students personally deliver grocery bags filled with essential food items to grateful seniors across Shelby County.

Though Collins and Shelby County High Schools are known for their spirited rivalry, organizers made a conscious decision not to frame this project as a competition. Instead, the goal is collaboration and compassion—with a touch of friendly fun. However, as a token of appreciation, the Advisory class contributing the most food items earns a celebratory pizza party.

Despite a few changes in leadership, with new teachers at both schools stepping into guiding roles, the heart of the project remained the same—thanks to the commitment and energy of student leaders who handled many aspects.

One of the standout accomplishments this year came from Shelby County High School students, who raised an impressive $1,800 from community businesses—on top of traditional food donations. With these funds, students purchased large amounts of groceries to help meet the needs of local seniors.

“The students at both schools truly stepped up,” Independence Bank President Brian Webb explained. “Having a student-led service project like this helps youth experience the enjoyment of putting others first. At our Bank, we believe in nurturing a spirit of community service in the next generation. This project does exactly that—especially for often overlooked seniors.

Delivery day, which took place on Friday, April 11, brings special moments that volunteers say they’ll never forget. “When students show up at a senior’s door with groceries, it feels like Santa Claus is visiting,” Independence Bank Lender Mary Courtney said. “The gratitude is overwhelming. Seniors often refer to the food as ‘treats,’ and they’re thrilled just to have young people stop by. Watching our students beam with pride during deliveries—it makes all the planning worth it.”

Through the contagious energy of students when packing up the food, we are reminded that when empowering young people, they not only rise to the occasion—they exceed expectations.

As bags of food head out the doors and into the homes of Shelby County’s elderly residents today, we see a strong spirit of service—and the future looks bright.