Students from West Oso ISD are transforming lives and learning invaluable lessons by volunteering at the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Students at West Oso ISD aren’t just spending their school days in the classroom. Some of them are spending their time giving back at the Coastal Bend Food Bank to help families in need.

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In his second year, West Oso High School sophomore Christian Calderon said his class visits to volunteer at the food bank are something he looks forward to.

“We came here, of course to help people to get what they need. And they can’t afford it, so they always come here to um give them the food all that,” Calderon said. “I did today, of course. I sort out different items like over there. You know, like mouthwash, clothing — and deodorant, shampoos and all that.”

Their teacher, Christopher Olson has made the weekly trip with the kids for six years. He said the students learn valuable life lessons.

“The biggest two workplace skills they learn: take your time. Do it correctly the first time so you don’t have to pick up messes and fix things. And then the second most important thing is: teamwork. Five guys working as a team can get a lot more done than you would possibly think,” Olson said.

Multimedia communications coordinator of the Coastal Bend Food Bank Micaela Calderon-Stewart said the partnerships with schools especially West Oso ISD is a special one.

“Within the last year since 2024 they’ve accumulated 520 hours and, and that’s big. That makes a big difference here, you know just coming every other week and donating a couple of hours that’s a huge impact in the community,” Calderon-Stewart said.

Calderon-Stewart said their commitment to help others is inspiring. 

“Those are our future leaders of tomorrow. They’re helping to make a difference not only today but for tomorrow, and they’re setting the example for the kids younger than them and even for adults,” Calderon-Stewart said.

For Calderon and his friends, they don’t think twice about helping others. 

“By always helping people with problems before in the past, so this is my choice to help different people,” Calderon said.

Calderon-Stewart with the Food Bank said the partnerships with schools, especially West Oso ISD, is a special one.

Stewart said volunteers are needed for the holiday food distribution next Tuesday from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information visit their website here.