All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Cold temps, warm hearts: State Farm Agent Jen Kesling’s office donates winter gear to Hodgesville Elementary students

Two Hodgesville Elementary School students show off their new winter apparel, thanks to State Farm Insurance Agent Jen Kesling's office. (Photo courtesy Shannon Lewis)

HODGESVILLE — As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving was on full display at Hodgesville Elementary School Monday when State Farm Agent Jen Kesling and her team donated hats, coats and gloves to every student at the school.

During a school assembly Monday morning, Principal Shannon Lewis expressed gratitude for the generous donation.

“It’s not just about how much we give, but the love that goes into the giving,” Lewis told the students. “Jen Kesling and her team at State Farm have put a lot of love into what they’ve done for you today.”

Kesling and her staff worked diligently to ensure that each child received winter essentials perfectly suited to their needs. The goal? To keep kids warm and worry-free this winter season.

“We are so happy to be here today!” Kesling told the gathered students and staff. “My team and I are excited to make this donation, ensuring every student can focus on learning and playing, no matter the weather.”

She also shared a message of hope and care with the students, saying, “We hope these coats bring you warmth and joy and remind you that there are always people who care about you.”

One happy classroom of students at Hodgesville Elementary School Monday morning following the donation. (Photo courtesy Shannon Lewis)

Kesling expressed her appreciation for the educators and families who help shape the students’ lives.

“To the faculty and parents, thank you for all your hard work in nurturing and educating these bright young minds,” she added. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support such a wonderful community. Thank you so much for having us.”

After the assembly, students were invited to try on their brand-new winter gear, which had been carefully sorted and labeled by grade level. Teachers and staff helped the younger children get their coats on, ensuring every student left the event with a smile and a little extra warmth for the colder days ahead.

Lewis summed up the day perfectly, emphasizing the importance of kindness and gratitude.

“This Thanksgiving, we are reminded of what we’re thankful for, and today, we are especially thankful for this act of generosity from State Farm,” she said.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Supreme Court sides with St. Joseph’s Hospital, puts the brakes on new Lewis County hospital

The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital must obtain a Certificate of Need before building a new hospital near I-79 in Weston, siding with St. Joseph’s Hospital in a years-long legal battle that could determine the future of both facilities.

Help Wanted: City of Buckhannon seeking municipal office clerk

The City of Buckhannon is looking for a motivated, well-organized clerk to support its municipal and utility offices. The position is central to serving the public and helping manage the day-to-day operations of local government and utility services.

Upshur County Public Library offers Food for Fines program in November to support local hunger relief

The Upshur County Public Library will accept non-perishable food donations in exchange for reduced library fines throughout November during its Food for Fines program.

Upshur County Special Olympics teams bring home silver medals

Upshur County Special Olympics teams earned silver medals in volleyball and unified flag football at the state fall festival in Parkersburg, marking the program’s first flag football team in over eight years.

Remember pancreatic cancer awareness in November and wear purple on Nov. 20

Annette Fetty-Santilli reminds community to observe November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and wear purple on Nov. 20 to raise awareness and advocate for increased federal research funding for a disease with low early detection and a 13% five-year survival rate.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Five Lady Bucs named to WVHSSCA Class AAAA All-State Team

Five Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs — Mallory Hughes, Sidney Hollen, Rylen Carlyle, Kallie Perry and Haley Triplett — were named to the WVHSSCA Class AAAA girls All-State teams.

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Garrett Cutright

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Garrett Cutright, a multi-sport athlete headed to WVU for petroleum engineering, reflects on favorite moments, coaches, family influences, and advice for future Buccaneers.
WVWC Volleyball

Wesleyan volleyball takes down Yellow Jackets in straight sets

West Virginia Wesleyan swept West Virginia State 25–22, 25–23, 25–23 behind 14 kills from Lisdarelyn Grassals, strong defense led by Alexis Moeschler’s 22 digs, and efficient attacking from Bhrooke Axe and Emily Denison.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Hollen First Team, Triplett and Hughes Second Team All-Conference in soccer

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Sidney Hollen earned First Team Big 10 All-Conference honors in girls soccer while teammates Mallory Hughes and Haley Triplett were named to the Second Team as Eryn Ashcraft was voted Player of the Year.