Students bagging rice to go in food boxes for families in need.

Charles C. Bell Elementary took a unique field trip to a local organization as they gave their time and skills to help a good cause. 

Fifth graders donned their hair nets and gloves as they worked alongside adults with Manna Foodbank. Buncombe County Schools (BCS) works diligently to empower students with the proper skills to become caring citizens. 

“I began discussions with teachers about new service-learning opportunities to try with students,” said Principal Danny Fusco. “It’s become a tradition for our fifth graders to lead a food drive project for Manna each Spring. This year we decided ‘why not take the students to Manna, and give back to the community that does so much for our school?’” 

Mr. Fusco also said that this experience brought out the leadership skills mentioned in the Leader in Me seven habits of highly effective people. Students had the opportunity to work alongside Mr. Fusco and their teacher, Olga Luchinina. 

“Students got to use their leadership learning to practice outside the classroom,” he said. “It was a joy to see the students realizing how much work goes into providing families with non-perishable foods.”

Student holding up food and smiling for the camera.