The Leesburg Food Bank recently received a significant donation thanks to the efforts of Teen Miss Leesburg, Shaylin Shumate, who organized a food drive that collected 1,536 pounds of food to support local families in need.

Shaylin spearheaded the initiative, overseeing every stage of the process. She coordinated the placement of donation boxes at various locations, managed weekly collections, stored the donations, and organized the final delivery to the food bank. The large-scale effort was met with appreciation from the Leesburg Food Bank, which emphasized the impact the donation will have on those facing food insecurity in the community.

Shaylin’s parents, Jameson Shumate and Amber and Garrett Nelson, played a supporting role in the effort, assisting with logistics and collection efforts. Several local organizations also contributed to the drive’s success, including the Leesburg Police Department, Envy Salon and Esthetics, SalonCentric, Villages Elementary School, and Citizens First Bank. Their participation helped maximize community engagement and increase contributions.

The food drive is part of the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program’s broader commitment to community service. The program selects young women to serve as ambassadors for the city, encouraging leadership and civic responsibility through organized service projects. In addition to the food drive, the program also conducts an annual Jacket and Blanket Drive and a Diaper Drive, aiming to provide essential resources to those in need.

Organizers praised the dedication of participants like Shaylin, noting that her work exemplifies the program’s mission to instill a spirit of giving and community pride in its titleholders.

For more information about the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program and upcoming service projects, visit www.missleesburg.com