Staff photos / J.T. Whitehouse First graders, from left, Madison Andrews, Landon Eberhardt, Chase Cardwell and Emma Cruz, await the long parade of donated goods the students took to the waiting Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley van in the school parking lot.

NORTH JACKSON — A huge stack of snacks was prepared to be loaded Tuesday onto a Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley van, ending the monthlong collection for those staying at the mission.

This is the ninth year that first graders in Corrine Tomaino’s class at Jackson-Milton Elementary School have collected snacks for the Rescue Mission. It began in 2018 and has continued every March, which is known as “Kindness Month” at the school.

Tomaino said it helps teach her students about kindness and how to care for others outside their classroom.

For this year’s collection, students brought in donations of individually wrapped snacks like crackers, granola bars, chips and fruit snacks to share with the children at the mission. The drive began March 9 and ended Monday.

During her visit to the classroom, Crystal Eckman, Rescue Mission ambassador, sat with students and spoke about what their donation does.

“When you go home and want a snack, you probably have several choices,” Eckman said. “At the Rescue Mission, the children don’t have those choices, but thanks to what you guys have donated, they will be enjoying a snack.”

She explained that those staying at the mission are there for a limited time. She said the goal is to help get a person or family back on their feet and into a permanent home.

For Tomaino, the month’s snack drive was a big success, and she applauded the 20 students who pulled it off.

“We set the goal for 2,000 snacks this year,” Tomaino said. “We have exceeded that and collected 2,565 snacks.”

“I am so thankful for Ms. Tomaino and all that she does for this shelter. I also admire her and how much she teaches the children about kindness and giving. It is truly a joy to be a part of what Ms. Tomaino does with the lives of so many children,” Eckman said.