DONATION MADE FOR AREA CHILDREN — Wal-Mart Distribution Center DC7017 employees delivered approximately 3,000 pounds of food to the Sycamore Youth Center last week. Those delivering the items included, from left, Michael Shea, Ben Taylor, human resources manager Paul Heffner, Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center; and Chuck Hick. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — A major act of generosity arrived at the Sycamore Youth Center last week as employees of Wal-Mart Distribution Center DC7017 donated approximately 3,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of two truckloads — to support the center’s after-school and weekend meal programs for local children.

The donation, organized and delivered by staff, will directly benefit hundreds of students who participate in the center’s programs each week. Sycamore provides hot meals five days a week, offers daily cooking classes and distributes approximately 300 shelf-stable meals every Friday to students at East Garfield Elementary School.

“We feed children after school every day, and this food will go a long way in helping us meet the needs of our area youth,” said Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore. “We are deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity shown by the Wal-mart Distribution Center. Acts like this truly make a difference.”

Paul Heffner, Wal-Mart human resources manager, praised the effort of his team. “Our DC7017 family came together to donate nearly 3,000 pounds of food,” Heffner said. “Acts like this remind me why I’m proud to be part of such an incredible team.”

The Sycamore Youth Center, operated by the Ohio Valley Youth Network, serves more than 500 students weekly through its meals, tutoring, arts, recreation and life-skills programming.

“May God bless you all for helping us care for the children of our community,” Bauman concluded.