School district provides 72 students & their families with food baskets for holiday season

FOWLER, Ind. (WLFI) - A school corporation takes it upon itself to make sure all of its students and their families have a Christmas dinner.

A few years ago, a Benton County family contacted superintendent Destin Haas when he was an administrator at Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High. The family donated 15 hams to give to students who were in need during the holidays.

"This year about a month and a half ago, they contacted me, the same family. It's a local pork producer. They said they wanted to donate 40 hams," Haas explained.

40 hams turned into 72 thanks to more donations from the community. Haas, who usually bought more food to make a basket to give to families, realized he would need help providing a full feast for 72 families.

"That's what this thing was, was community," John Hoskins said.

He owns 100 Mile Rib & Chop House and hosted a fundraiser to help pay for side dishes in food baskets. In just one night, the fundraiser raised $1,000.

"Times are tough. Everyone knows that. Everybody needs a helping hand from time to time," he said.

Haas said its the district's duty to take care of its students.

"That's what we are here for. We are the biggest employer in the county. We have a lot of people that care about the community that live here," Haas said.

Those who receive the baskets know people care about them.

"From tears to joy because most of the baskets can last anywhere from two to three meals. It's not just a one-time meal," Haas said.

The meal is an early Christmas gift for many.

"18 went out today to Boswell Elementary," Haas explained. "28 are going out Monday to Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School. 10 to Prairie Crossing on Tuesday and 11 to Otterbien and three are going to Sacred Heart."

Haas has been in many of these families' shoes. That's why he says he is paying it forward.

"I came from a background where I didn't have much," Haas said. "That's why I love to do this because paying it forward is what it is all about."

Haas said donations for the baskets are still coming in.