A recent community effort in Upshur County has successfully provided weekend food supplies to students in need within the local schools. The annual Kelley Tierney State Farm Soup Drive in October collected 8,760 cans of food this year, an increase of 2,000 cans from 2023.

Thanks to the dedication of 12 Wesleyan student volunteers, all 8,760 cans were loaded in just 43 minutes and delivered to the Upshur County Parish House, which deserves a significant “thank you” for its role in warehousing all the donations from the soup drive.

More than 4,300 cans were donated by the community, a number that was doubled with matching cans from Kelley Tierney State Farm. This initiative means students who require extra support will have full tummies when they’re away from school.

Each school’s Community in Schools Coordinator will be responsible for picking up the necessary items for the weekend food backpacks as needed.

This endeavor is set to continue, with plans for another drive in October 2025, aiming to replicate this year’s success. Read more about the soup drive by clicking here.