Edwardsburg students, parents and teachers once again donated time to helping others with a trip to “Feed the Children” in Elkhart earlier this month.

Open to all sixth-graders of Edwardsburg Middle School, the Jan. 4 trip also welcomed members of the school’s student council, which includes seventh- and eighth-graders.

“It’s part of the community service requirements the kids have to fill in social studies,” coordinator Cindy Hansel said.

More than 210 participants worked from 4 to 6 p.m. to pack more than 3,300 boxes that included food, personal hygiene and health and beauty items.

The boxes are shipped to families in need throughout northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan.

“My experience at Feed the Children was extraordinary. I knew that there are hungry families all over the country and world, even to feed a small, very small fraction of that made me feel good inside,” said student Emma Nelson.

“The experience for me was really fun and it amazed me that while having so much fun we were helping families in need over the U.S. When we were done and I heard that we filled over 3,300 boxes of hygiene, food, and Avon products, I felt so good I could have done it forever,” student Samantha Beck said.

“Feed the Children was a great experience. I know that I’m going to do it again because it feels good to help people and to know you’re helping people get the supplies they need is priceless,” student Joey Hess said.

“Just taking two hours out of my day helped hundreds of families,” said student Autumn Axline.