In the heart of Lancaster, something powerful happened at Wharton ES this March. What started as a weeklong food and toiletry drive turned into a meaningful schoolwide effort that brought students, staff, and families together around one simple idea: we can help.
Led by school counselor Wayne Hooper and school social worker Talia Mylin, the initiative was part of Wharton’s monthly theme program, a values-based approach to social-emotional learning known as the Wharton Mindset. Each month, students explore a new character trait. In March, that trait was leadership and service.
Rather than talk about what those words mean, Wharton students got the chance to put them into action. Over just five days, classrooms collected 1,589 items: 931 nonperishable food items and 658 toiletries, all headed to the Lancaster County Food Hub, just blocks away from the school.
“We wanted the students to feel like they could make a difference,” said Hooper. “That box of cereal, that toothbrush, those aren’t just things. They’re going to someone in our community. And the kids got that. They understood the impact.”
This is the second year Wharton has organized the drive. Last year’s total was just over 900 items. Inspired by that success, staff increased the classroom goal from 25 to 30 items this year. Classrooms that met the target would earn a special recess with a special treat, music, bubble machines, and games. But in the end, it wasn’t about the reward. Several classrooms nearly doubled their goal, fueled by friendly competition and a shared sense of purpose.
The donations came in fast. Families arrived with bags so heavy they had to be carried by staff. Students would cheer when a classmate brought in a contribution. Daily announcements celebrated progress, keeping the energy high and the momentum growing.
For Mylin, the drive brought out the best in the school community. “We have such a generous and giving group of kids and adults,” she said. “The fact that this is helping people right here in our neighborhood made a big difference. It felt personal.”
That local connection is why Wharton chose Lancaster County Food Hub again. The organization provides food, clothing, toiletries, and support to individuals and families across Lancaster. It’s accessible and grounded in the same values Wharton teaches its students.
Principal Demettra Walters sees the drive as an opportunity to build empathy early. “There are many people in our community going through difficult times. We want our students to understand that we can always do something to help. It may seem small, but small things add up.”
In an age when community needs are increasing, Wharton ES is showing that service can start young. With support from school staff, engaged families, and student leaders who are learning to look beyond themselves, the school has created something that goes beyond a one-time event.
The hope is to continue the tradition next year, and beyond. For Hooper, as long as he and Milan are around, that’s the plan. “I think it’s something the kids will remember. They’ll remember the fun, sure. But they’ll also remember that they were part of something that helped real people in their own community.”
One cereal box. One tube of toothpaste. One student deciding they want to make a difference. Add it all together, and what you get is a school filled with young people who are already finding ways to give back. And that’s something worth building on.