Times Observer photo by Heather Cathcart-Norris St. Joseph Catholic School students have been collecting boxes of Cheerios to assist the church parish with filling baskets for needy families for the upcoming holiday.

St. Joseph Catholic School students are spreading joy and generosity this holiday season in Warren County by participating in their second annual “Cheerio Challenge.”

The initiative, designed to help stock food baskets for more than 100 needy local families, has become a tradition within the school community.

“Every year, the parish lets us know what they would like us to collect. In past years, it has been canned goods or hygiene products. This is the second year we have done the Cheerio Challenge,” said St. Joseph Catholic School principal Carrie Pearson.

The “Cheerio Challenge” invites students across various grade levels to collect specific varieties of Cheerios cereal, with each group tasked with gathering as many boxes as possible.

Preschool and kindergarten students bring in original Cheerios. First, second, and sixth graders focus on Honey Nut Cheerios, while third, fourth, and fifth graders collect Multigrain Cheerios.

On Wednesday, the students collected 68 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios and Multigrain Cheerios, leaving two groups in a tie for first place.

The Cheerio Challenge encourages friendly competition and teaches students the importance of giving back to the community, especially during the holidays.

“This initiative is a significant part of our students’ character development, fostering empathy and a sense of responsibility,” said Pearson.

The collected cereal boxes will be included in the parish’s holiday food baskets, which provide essential items to families who might otherwise struggle during this festive time. The baskets, a cornerstone of the parish’s outreach efforts, are a vital source of support for many in Warren County.

Students and staff agree that the real reward lies in knowing their actions will brighten the holidays for families in need.

“It’s fun to compete with my friends,” said a fifth-grade student, “but it feels even better knowing we’re helping people. That’s what Christmas is all about.”