Jackson Milton Students Donate Over 2,500 Snacks for Rescue Mission Kids

The annual drive has collected essential items for children in need for nearly a decade.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05pm

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Students at Jackson Milton Elementary School in Berlin Center, Ohio collected and donated 2,565 individually wrapped snacks specifically for children staying at the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley in Youngstown. This snack drive effort began in 2018 and has continued for 9 years, led by first-grade teacher Corinne Tomaino to help others in need.

Why it matters

The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley provides essential services and support for homeless and low-income individuals and families in the Youngstown area. This student-led donation drive helps ensure children staying at the shelter have access to nutritious snacks and treats, fostering a sense of community and compassion among the young participants.

The details

The snack drive is an annual tradition at Jackson Milton Elementary, with students collecting donations of individually wrapped snacks over the course of several weeks. This year, they were able to gather 2,565 snacks to contribute. Mission Ambassador Crystal Eckman from the Rescue Mission visited the school to thank the students and their teacher, Corinne Tomaino, for their ongoing efforts to support the shelter's young residents.

  • The snack drive took place on March 30, 2026.
  • The drive has been an annual event since 2018.

The players

Jackson Milton Elementary School

A public elementary school located in Berlin Center, Ohio that has organized an annual snack drive for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley since 2018.

Corinne Tomaino

A first-grade teacher at Jackson Milton Elementary who started the concept of the school's snack drive in 2018 to help others in need.

Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley

A nonprofit organization that provides shelter, food, and other essential services to homeless and low-income individuals and families in the Youngstown, Ohio area.

Crystal Eckman

A Mission Ambassador from the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley who visited Jackson Milton Elementary to thank the students and teacher for their donations.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Crystal Eckman, Mission Ambassador, Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley

What’s next

The public is invited to contribute to the snack drive by dropping off donations at Jackson Milton Elementary School on March 30 or by donating financially online to purchase additional snacks.

The takeaway

This student-led snack drive demonstrates the power of community engagement and the positive impact young people can have when they are empowered to help those in need. The long-running nature of this initiative at Jackson Milton Elementary also highlights the school's commitment to fostering compassion and service-learning among its students.