United Way CANpaign receives huge contribution from Gaston's Early College High School

United Way of Gaston County kicked off its second annual CANpaign, collecting non-perishable food items for local crisis agencies, on Sept. 16.

The CANpaign effort is running concurrently with the United Way's annual fundraising campaign.

The goal of the CANpaign effort is to collect a ton of food - 2,000 pounds - to be distributed in Gaston County.

The first major donation of the CANpaign came from students at Gaston County's Early College High School who contributed roughly 800 cans of food.

“Our students never do anything half way,” said Victoria Sain, a math teacher at the school as she dropped off the items at the United Way office.

“I honestly had no words initially when I saw the amount of food these students donated," said United Way President Linda Slade. “This gift roughly meets 40% of our total goal we hope to collect."

The CANpaign runs through Friday, Oct. 22. Gifts of non-perishable food items,  especially canned meats and heartier soups, are always needed.

Donations can be dropped by the United Way office or check the website at www.unitedwaygaston.org for a link to the Amazon wish list and have items directly shipped to the United Way.

“We have a generous community and these students are a great example of that,” remarked Slade.