LABELLE — Over the month of May, students from local elementary schools learned about the importance of supporting their community.

Students from LaBelle Elementary School collected 1,581 canned goods to donate to The Salvation Army Food Pantry located within the LaBelle United Way House. Mr. Hernandez’s class brought in the most cans with a total of 269.

Country Oaks Elementary students in Ms. Robinson’s class recently collected new and gently used stuffed animals to donate to the local ACT Shelter and Children’s Advocacy Center for the Child Protection Team, both of which are United Way Partner Agencies. Together they collected over 100 stuffed animals.

United Way staff would like to thank both schools and the students for their donations. “It’s because of generous hearts like these that we can assist our Partner Agencies with the items they need to help serve the community,” said Lisa Sands, Hendry/Glades manager at United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank the students, teachers, and staff at these schools for their support.”