Tulsa Students Collect Almost Eight Tons Of Food For Mission

Students from Mingo Valley Christian School are celebrating another year of giving to the John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa.

The elementary student body divided into teams to see who could gather the most food for the mission's food bank. Students have collected canned goods, sugar, rice, beans and other food items for the mission that provides food, clothing and shelter to the needy.

Students held an assembly Friday during Spirit Week to take a photo with the donated food and announce team winners and totals.

This year, the kids collected over 16,000 pounds of food including 11,141 cans and over 6,000 pounds of dry goods, according to Kelley Mather, director of development for the Mingo Valley Christian School.

"They're getting to put their faith into action," said Joel Staggers, Mingo Valley superintendent. "They're getting to see that they can make a difference in our world, and they can help other people just by simply collecting food and using that to feed others.

The food is a welcome gift to the John 3:16 Mission.

"Year after year, Mingo Valley has been the single largest donor of food to John 3:16 Mission," said the Reverend Steve Whitaker of John 3:16.

"Their gift means that thousands of hungry and homeless people - our neighbors right here in Tulsa - don't have to miss a meal. MingoValley's students, staff and parents truly epitomize the spirit of Christian giving."