Join the Fight Against Food Insecurity: Support the JCCS Fundraiser Today!

Students from Jefferson County Christian School participated in the Feed the Need Packing Party in 2019.

WINTERSVILLE — Jefferson County Christian School (JCCS) is running an important fundraising campaign, aiming to help families struggling with hunger both locally and globally.

The school’s Feed the Need fundraiser is set for February 28. Students will come together to pack 10,000 meals for people in need in the Ohio Valley and Bangladesh.

The goal is to raise $75,000, which will support various renovation projects at their Wintersville campus. If you want to contribute, you can find more details at myjccs.org.

Back in November 2019, JCCS had a successful first Feed the Need campaign. They raised nearly $60,000 and packed another 10,000 meals—8,500 were sent to Haiti, with the rest going to Urban Mission Ministries. This initiative allowed the school to renovate their science room and kitchen, paving the way for serving hot meals.

JCCS is eager to replicate this success, having kicked off this year’s campaign in January.

Kathy Martin, the school’s business manager, explained their need for funds, stating, “Our average expenses per student exceed our tuition by over $700, leaving us with a gap. We rely on grants and fundraisers to close that gap. We want our fundraisers to have purpose, teaching students to give back.”

To run the Feed the Need program, JCCS collaborates with the Champion Group, a fundraising consultant for Christian schools. They provide necessary supplies and sponsorship tools, taking a portion of the funds raised, which JCCS refers to as a “tithe.”

The packing event on February 28 will see students from all grades joining in. They will work together like an assembly line, filling bags with rice, protein powder, and dried vegetables. Younger students will draw pictures to be included in the boxes, adding a personal touch.

“The event is full of energy,” Martin shared. “Music will be playing, and we’ll celebrate our progress over the loudspeakers as we reach packing milestones. It’s really a fun atmosphere.”

Most packed meals, about 8,500, will go to an orphanage in Bangladesh. The remainder will assist local organizations like the Urban Mission, Friendship Room, and Pittsburgh Dream Center, with recommendations from JCCS families guiding this decision.

This year’s funds will help with replacing flooring, enhancing technology, and upgrading some elementary classroom furniture.

In his donation request letter, Principal Scott Abercrombie emphasized how Feed the Need not only serves those in need but also impacts students. He stated, “It provides our students with the transformative experience of giving to others in Jesus’ name.”

“We focus on nurturing both the minds and spirits of our students. Our aim is to foster good character and equip them to serve others compassionately. The Feed the Need Packing Party embodies this mission by bringing our school community together to share hope and make a real difference for families facing food insecurity.”