VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) – During this time of giving, many people are doing what they can to help out for the holidays.

The cadets of Vicksburg High School’s JROTC program took part in a food donation drive, as part of their annual outreach program.

“We wanted to help the community and show leadership and initiative in our community,” said Burse.

Last year, Vicksburg’s JROTC was among many across state lines who pitched in to deliver food to areas affected by Hurricane Ida.

For the 2022 holiday season, the cadets decided to help out in the local community.

Senior army instructor at Vicksburg High School, Lt. Colonel Columbus Hood, said this year’s service project helped at least 50 families, with even more taking home the plenty of sweet potatoes they had on hand.

Lt. Col. Hood says they paired with a local farmer who helped provide the sweet potatoes and greens. Tyson Foods also donated chicken.

For many cadets like Denver Foster, these are the moments that they will remember.

“It’s hard on a lot of people,” said Foster.

“It was a great feeling, especially watching the cadets execute it to the point they did in providing the community with vegetables and the meats to help out with Thanksgiving,” added Master Sgt. James Shinard.