(WSIL) -- With school closings due to COVID-19, Thomas Elementary and Carbondale Middle School are among the local districts offering a service for students in need of breakfast and lunch.
Staff and volunteers prepared at least 1,700 breakfast and lunch bags for their Carbondale Middle School students.
"It's our duty as a school. The school is a cornerstone of the community and we know that our students need to eat and they need to have good nutrition every single day," said Carbondale Elementary Superintendent Daniel Booth.
Starting Wednesday, "Grab & Go" meals will be delivered from 9 a.m. to noon at neighborhood bus stops.
"These meals are coming cold, so we're encourage people to heat them up to 165 degrees or put them in the microwave. Starting this Friday, we'll have homework packets that we'll be including with the meals and also have available online, on our social media, on our school website, and also at our school building to keep students busy," said Booth.
Monitors and bus drivers from Durham school bus company say this is more than just a delivery service.
"For me, it's ministry. I mean, yes I work with the public, and the youth are our future, so being able to help their families, maybe they are in need, maybe they're not in need. But to be able to be a support system for them through the school district, through the bus company, is amazing," said bus driver Sheree Olie.
Young helpers can also see the importance of coming together as a community.
"It makes me feel happy 'cause some people out there don't usually get this a lot as other people may have it, but they still get it anyways," said 6th grade student Megan Curtis.
While families are at home, Booth encourages students to stay positive.
"Make sure they are keeping contact with our website, with their e-mail and for anything that we have so we can stay in contact with them and keep them encouraged during this time."
Buses will make multiple trips to each stop.
If you miss the deliveries, you can call the bus company to request a the bus make another stop near you during operating hours at t 618-549-2877.
If you'd like to pick up a meal at the school, hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
