As they say, “It takes a village to raise a child,” it could also be said that “it takes a child to teach a village.”

Jordan Ascanio did just that when he used his third birthday party to collect food donations for the Voluntary Action Center (VAC).

Jordan’s mother, Melea West, is a lifelong resident of Gordon County.

“About a year ago, God placed on my heart to use Jordan’s birthday to do something for others,” said West.

She wanted to use the birthday celebration to teach her son that he can lead by example to help those less fortunate.

The party brought in over 200 non-perishable items. All items donated to the VAC were ready to eat, which is vital to the food pantry.

Ready to eat items are essential because they can be consumed without the use of electricity and consist of peanut butter, canned meats, crackers, cereal and breakfast bars.

“If everyone in our community not only acted but used those acts to teach the next generation, we would see an end to hunger in Gordon County,” said Stacy Long, Director of the VAC.

The Voluntary Action Center is a locally based assistance program that provides food, utility assistance and computer training to people in Gordon County.