Nixa High School JROTC Cadets Provide Food to Project Head Start

Photo Credit: Mr. M. J. Jones
- Posted on January 11th, 2021
- Story by: LTC(R) Rod Williams
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3rd BrigadeService Learning
NIXA, MO -- Normally, there are financial needs among several families who are enrolled in Project Head Start in Nixa, Missouri, especially at Christmas time. This year, due to the COVID-19 impact, Mr. M.J. Jones, Nixa Head Start Family Advocate was deluged with requests by over 20 families for assistance. Mr. Jones and the Head Start staff immediately thought of the Nixa HS JROTC for help.
Mr. Jones explained, after contacting LTC(R) Rod Williams, that many of the children in Nixa Head Start depend on the meals provided each day. The Christmas Break at school means that a number of children may not have much to eat during this time. LTC(R) Williams brought this need to the Eagle Battalion staff who immediately formed a food drive built on completion between the 5 JROTC Platoons. The staff agreed to reward the Platoon with the greatest amount of food by providing a pizza party.
By the time Mr. Jones arrived to collect the non-perishable food items, the back area of the classroom was filled with boxes of items. He expressed his great surprise at the amount of food collected and praised the efforts of Nixa’s Cadets! The Battalion proposed that this become an annual event and was heartily agreed upon by everyone.
