Students at Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy received a helpful hand from a Pittsburgh Steelers player on Tuesday, November 25, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Defensive back DeShon Elliott stopped by the school to formally open his "Victory Vault," a food and clothing pantry that will serve middle school students in need in the Woodland Hills School District.
Elliott partnered with Giant Eagle to help stock the shelves, and with Hibbett Sports in the Edgewood Towne Center to provide some apparel along with a $5,000 donation. Representatives with Giant Eagle and Hibbett joined Elliott, Dickson assistant principal Rashawnda Randolph, Dickson assistant principal Jack Howell, and assistant director of activities, athletics, and sponsorships Jullian Turner for the grand-opening. Dickson students were also on hand, as was Steelers mascot Steely McBeam.
The pantry is in a room next to the cafeteria. Students in need will be able to request an opportunity to utilize the pantry to take home non-perishable food items, snacks, and even some frozen items to help navigate food insecurity.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Elliott spent some time talking and taking photographs with the students. He also joined Ms. Randolph and the other representatives to deliver food baskets to select families in need in the neighborhood.
The Woodland Hills School District and Dickson STEAM Academy would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to DeShon, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Giant Eagle, and Hibbett Sports for their generosity.