Work Discovery Students from the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit delivered 158 pounds of food to the Westmoreland Food Bank on Thursday.

Students from Mary Petrina’s class packaged and delivered the nonperishables on behalf of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit and Clairview’s Holiday Giving Collection. Along with the food, the month-long collection filled two large bins of toys for Westmoreland Toys for Tots.

WIU’s Work Discovery Program is a transition program that assists students to experience work in a community setting. Every Thursday, a group of students works at the food bank alongside its employees sorting and prepping food to be sent out. This is the first time this group of students has participated in the donation delivery.

“It was like a collaboration,” said transition coach mentor Mary Petrina. “The employees of the (Intermediate Unit) and Clairview School were the donors and then my students got involved as the hands and feet of the donations. They don’t normally get involved at this level but it was the perfect opportunity for it.”

Students in the program visit 34 worksites throughout Westmoreland County. Each site is intended to provide students with a realistic picture of working in the service, industrial, landscaping, warehouse, education, housekeeping, retail and food industries.

Program leaders encourage students to practice professional and social skills needed to maintain employment after high school.

“The transition program helps prepare them for work and life after high school,” said Petrina. “We’re taking them into the community to expose them to work environments.

“For example, some of our students might not be comfortable talking to people or using body language, looking someone in the eye, shaking hands. These are life skills that our kids may need time to get used to. They’re getting to see what it’s like working in the community.”

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