Organized by Price Less IGA and Independence Bank, the “Seniors Feeding Seniors” event saw students from Logan County High School and Russellville High School teaming up to support their community.

Local high school seniors competed in a Supermarket Sweep, racing through the aisles of Price Less IGA to gather groceries for seniors in need.

“We coined the idea of ‘Seniors Feeding Seniors,’” said Chad Hall, Logan County President of Independence Bank. “We wanted to partner with local high school seniors to help expose them to the needs in the community, but also create a way that they could be citizen servants and help their neighbors and fellow community members.”

The event, now in its second year, challenged students to fill their carts with high-value grocery items within a limited time.

“It’s a wonderful program,” said Kim Nolan, Store Manager for Priceless IGA. “Seniors Helping Seniors is an excellent name, and it’s exactly what it is—it should be done in every community around.”

Students participating in the event said they appreciated the opportunity to make a difference.

“We’re just helping someone that’s in need, and this is all it’s about,” said Logan County High School senior, Jayron Jefferson.

For Russellville High School senior Marlei Elliott, the event’s timing ahead of the holidays added extra meaning.

“It feels good knowing that we can help people in the community that just don’t have it like that,” Elliott said. “Knowing we can put a smile on their face, especially with the holidays coming up, just knowing that they’ll be okay.”

Independence Bank covered the cost of the groceries, ensuring that all items collected would go directly to seniors in need. While the winning school team enjoyed bragging rights, the primary goal was to make a meaningful impact on the community.

“When the seniors see them deliver the meals, I think they’ll see the need and want to hopefully help the community in their future,” said Michelle Hines, Deputy Director at BRADD. “We all need to think about our community and help others as we can.”

Logan County High School took the win this year, collecting $2,515.74 in items against Russellville’s $1,681.57.

“When we look at the way that we serve our community as a community bank, we focus on education, housing, and food,” Hall said. “A food drive fits well with getting shelf-stable, non-perishable food items on the shelves of people that need it. When you can get community partners to come together, you can really make an impact on the community.”

Next week, the students who competed in today’s competition will deliver the items they collected to recipients in the community.

Originally published by WBKO
By William Battle
Published: Oct. 30, 2024