COAL GROVE — A selfless act by Dawson-Bryant Middle School students must have been inspiring.

Some local businesses and individuals donated boxes for the charity while others donated money to cover the $7 per box shipping cost.

Dawson-Bryant Middle School secretary Glenda Seagraves spearheaded the effort after being approached by Operation Christmas Child’s Southeast Community Relations Volunteer Lisa Potter. Although Seagraves admits the project started later than she would have liked, she is still thrilled with the results.

“We had a goal set of 100 boxes,” she said. “We came really close to meeting that goal.”

A total of 70 boxes were taken to Community Mission Outreach in Chesapeake on Friday. Dawson-Bryant sixth, seventh and eighth graders, members of the Christian Youth Association, Bob Clyse Chevy in Ironton, Coal Grove Giovanni’s, Coal Grove Pharmacy, Food Fair of Coal Grove, Subway, Desco, L&J, and school board members Debbie Drummond and Deanna Holliday all donated boxes.

The Coal Grove Betterment Club, Freez-Ett in Coal Grove, Superior Office Supply in Huntington, W.Va., and M&M Inflatables in Ironton all gave money to pay for shipping.

“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” Potter said. “Next year we hope to start in September and get even more businesses and members of the community involved. We are extremely thankful for everyone who participated.”