Webster City Middle School students are taking part in an exciting project today as they attempt to package 40,000 meals to aid Iowa food pantries. Northeast Hamilton and Stratford students will also be assisting with the extensive volunteer effort. Nearly 600 student will be involved.

Not only are they working to prepare the meals, students also helped to raise the funds to pay for supplies. More than $10,000 in donations and grant funds were secured. Local businesses stepped in to contribute to the project and support the students.

The packaging event coincides with the annual Character Counts Day today. Principal Dr. Adam Zellmer said he wanted to be sure that the day was about “our students giving back.”

We commend Zellmer and the students for tackling the project. This is just another example of the many ways young people can and do give back to their community. From dance marathons at area high schools to benefit cancer patients, to an Eagle Scout who’s conducting a letter-writing campaign for soldiers and veterans ,to the many 4-H clubs that conduct community service projects each year.

During National Volunteer Month, we salute all of the young people who see the value and need to help others. Well done.