In 2014, when I began my journey at Kalamazoo Central High School, it was evident that this historic institution was deeply rooted in tradition and committed to community service. Daily announcements invited students to participate in various clubs, sports, and volunteer initiatives. However, despite the many opportunities, participation in community events was often underwhelming. Events like Relay for Life carnivals, MLK Day of Service, and Stuff the Bus struggled to engage students in large numbers despite the extensive planning and effort invested by staff and organizers.
Recognizing this challenge, the student council took a bold step. They envisioned a Giant Nation—a united body of students, families, staff, and the broader community—rather than a collection of individual clubs and sports teams. In 2014, Kalamazoo Central officially became Giant Nation, shifting the culture of student involvement. To be a recognized student organization, groups were required to participate in three key service events: Relay for Life, MLK Day of Service, and Stuff the Bus. Additionally, all in-season sports teams were mandated to send representatives from all levels.
Initially, some students felt compelled to participate, but a surprising transformation occurred. The contagious enthusiasm of those actively engaged in these initiatives soon spread, creating a vibrant, collective energy. Stuff the Bus, in particular, saw rapid growth, attracting so many volunteers that local grocery stores requested student shifts to manage the overwhelming influx of students in front of the store. Multiple buses and vans were filled in a single-day event, with Kalamazoo Central’s Stuff the Bus becoming the top food drive event for Loaves and Fishes.
However, our students weren’t satisfied with just stuffing buses. They aspired to do more. The initiative evolved as awareness grew about Loaves and Fishes’ impact—not just in the greater Kalamazoo community but within our own school. Stuff the Bus was rebranded as KC Feeds Kazoo. Students wanted more than shifts at grocery stores; they wanted to actively participate and engage the community. Buses were dispatched to multiple locations, with students lining the streets to collect donations. This movement expanded further, earning recognition as one of the largest food drives behind only the U.S. Postal Service and Stryker Corporation in supporting Loaves and Fishes.
A competitive element was introduced to amplify the engagement. Grade levels and classes vied to see who could collect the most food leading up to the major event. This school-wide challenge fostered camaraderie, ensuring that every student and staff member at Kalamazoo Central had an opportunity to contribute. Participation took many forms—whether donating food, helping transport donations, making signs, or simply rallying support. The initiative underscored a crucial message: Everyone has something to give, whether time, effort, or resources.
In 2023, Kalamazoo Central was invited to compete in the Wood TV8 Frenzy Food Drive, challenging high schools across the region to collect the most food in a short timeframe. Before committing, we convened a strategy session with student leaders across sports, clubs, and organizations alongside our dedicated student advisor, Mr. Hafer. The intensity in the room was palpable—this was a war room, not just a planning meeting. The goal: surpass 13,000 pounds of food in just four days. Our only demand was that the food went to our local pantry, Loaves & Fishes.
The Giant Nation sprang into action. Kalamazoo Public Schools, local businesses, community partners such as the Kalamazoo Promise and Communities in Schools, and countless individuals answered the call. Donations flooded in—some community members even DoorDash groceries to the school or contributed up to $1,000. The event culminated in an unforgettable morning rally at Kalamazoo Central. At 5 AM, the school came alive with cheerleaders, the marching band, student-athletes, National Honor Society members, teachers, coaches, administrators, parents, and local supporters. The energy was electric.
Kalamazoo Central shattered records. The school alone donated 27,386 pounds of food, more than double the second-place finisher, securing victory in the competition. More importantly, KC Feeds Kazoo reaffirmed our commitment to combating hunger in our community. This was a demonstration of this community, not just Kalamazoo Central but Kalamazoo. They rallied behind us into something that exceeded our expectations.
Teacher and event organizer Rex Hafer echoed the sentiment: “I’ve been here for 19 years, and every year, the students step up and do something extraordinary. Collecting this much food in three days is something we should all be proud of.”
The success of KC Feeds Kazoo is not just measured in pounds of food—it’s measured in impact, unity, and the unwavering commitment of an entire community to support its most vulnerable members. When you foster a culture of giving where everyone has a role, you don’t just stuff a bus—you feed a city.
Watch the journey unfold:
🔗 Frenzy Food Drive 2023 Highlights
🔗 KC Feeds Kazoo in Action
Together, we are a Giant Nation. Together, we make a difference.