Lead2Feed: students start their own non-profit

A group of high school students are taking matters into their own hands. They started a non-profit in an effort to feed, clothe, and provide medical supplies to families in Mexico.

Five days a week at lunch time, the marketing students at Kellis High School, in the Peoria Unified School District can be spotted outside the classroom working.

"It kind of teaches us that we can do whatever. We kind of have a dream to do now; you don't have to keep waiting," said Leslie Robledo, a junior.

They learn life skills such as sales, how to run a business, and as it turns out as a result they started their own non-profit company.

"They raise money by fundraising or donations from their volunteers, or whoever wants to give. We grab supplies or buy them with the money that was donated," said Jackie Enriquez, a senior.

It all started with teacher Deb Moore and the Lead2Feed program. Moore has been participating in Lead2Feed since it's inception in 2012. The purpose says Moore is to advocate education through community activism.

"It makes a kid really stop and think about the critical elements and problems in our community, and how to solve it," said Deb Moore.

Last year Moore's students won the Lead2Feed World Leadership Challenge, the grand prize was $25,000 in grant money for their local charity.

A year ago they started the non-profit, and they have logged more than 256 hours of community service. That includes five trips to the Mexican community of Arizpe, where they have assisted more than 35 families.

"They did not say much; they were emotional, they had more emotions than words. It was crucial to see people were so grateful, they couldn't come up with words to say thank you," said Anna Chacon.

The plan is to keep working, to keep volunteering, and to keep making a difference as they Lead2Feed.

The students are making another trip to Mexico over Memorial Day Weekend. Anyone interested in the non-profit can learn more at: http://lead2feed.com/