Four vehicles with Arkansas Tech University student parking hangtags rolled up to London Elementary School shortly after 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
They were driven by members of the ATU Emerging Leaders Society, and the non-perishable food packed into their vehicles is destined to help feed kindergarten through fourth grade students who might not otherwise have access to nourishment during weekends and the upcoming holidays.
“It represents hope for the next generation,” said Shilo Reed of Fouke, president of the ATU Emerging Leaders Society. “It takes work, but it’s 100 percent worth it when you see it in the end because you know that it’s helping someone out there. It wouldn’t be possible without the people who support us. If we didn’t have those connections to begin with and be involved in our community, we wouldn’t be able to make this difference. Every little bit makes a difference. If you have a chance to donate and give back to your community, it’s always worth it.”
The bond between ATU student leaders and London Elementary School began in fall 2022 when Tiffany Nance, ATU instructor of psychology, brought the idea forward. She was active in the London Elementary Parent Teacher Organization at the time, and she knew the backpack program needed additional support.
Arkansas Tech students have been a source of support ever since.
Reed was joined at the fall 2026 food drop-off by Juan Jose Almaraz of Clarksville, ATU Emerging Leaders Society vice president; Jaiden Carnathan of Hackett, ATU ELS secretary; Lila Popken of Hackett, ATU ELS treasurer; and Faith Kelly of North Little Rock, president of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
By the time they carried the food into the London Elementary auditorium and unboxed it, the donated items stretched from one end of the stage to the other.
“They are a very dedicated bunch of students who care about this community,” said Marcia Correia, London Elementary School principal. “This is my fifth year as a principal, and they’ve done this for us every single year. We are so thankful. They’ve been an amazing help to our backpack program. It means our students will have something in their bellies and sustain it throughout the weekend. Back in my day, I was one of those kids. That’s exactly how I grew up, so I know that feeling.”
Collaborative partners in the project included ArcBest, the ATU Emergency Management Student Association, the ATU Honors program, the ATU First-Generation Student Organization, ATU STACK Gaming living and learning community, Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Iota Alpha, the ATU agriculture living and learning community, Zeta Phi Beta, ATU Rotaract, ATU SPECTRUM, Delta Zeta, the ATU engineering living and learning community, ATU Women in STEM and ATU Presidential Leadership Cabinet.
