In East Liverpool, Ohio, students and staff at Westgate School found a creative way to give back to their community while attempting to make history. As reported by WTOV9, their mission was to break the Guinness World Record for the largest cereal box domino chain. While they didn’t quite surpass the record of 12,952 boxes currently held by the national non-profit Move for Hunger, their effort resulted in a generous donation to the East Liverpool Salvation Army, bringing the holiday spirit to hundreds of families in need.
The project was about more than just breaking records. It became a unifying effort as the school community rallied together to collect thousands of cereal boxes. Each box represented not only a potential part of the domino chain but also a meal for families struggling with food insecurity. The spirit of giving, especially during the holiday season, was evident in every step of the process.
Students of all ages took part, with fifth and sixth graders alone contributing 400 boxes to the cause. Fifth grader Brady Fennell, who collected 59 boxes with help from family and friends, shared his enthusiasm. “I think it feels good,” he told WTOV9. “My mom put it on Facebook for other people to get boxes for my class.” The domino chain may not have set a record, but its impact on the community is undeniable.
A community-wide effort
The collected cereal boxes were donated to the East Liverpool Salvation Army, where they will directly support local families. Major Stephanie Larrick of the Salvation Army explained how these donations would make a tangible difference.
“It will help at least 300 families because every food box that we put out, we try to do three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners,” she explained. “One box of cereal is a lot of breakfast, and 300 boxes is even more. So, potentially two months of our breakfast for our families.”
Fifth grader Joseph Duke summed up the heart of the project beautifully: “It makes me feel very glad because not many people can afford food, and I think it’s really nice, especially during the holidays as well.”
Lessons beyond the boxes
This type of event showcases how schools can inspire students to think beyond themselves. On a Reddit thread about a similar project, one commenter praised the teamwork involved:
"Kudos to all the teachers, students, and parents involved!!!"
— u/PinkOwl2
Initiatives like these teach kids invaluable lessons about teamwork, philanthropy, and the power of community-driven action.
Tips for organizing a similar event
If this story inspires you to organize a community event of your own, here are a few tips to get started:
- Start early: Large-scale projects like these require months of planning.
- Engage everyone: Involve students, parents, teachers, and local businesses to maximize contributions.
- Set dual goals: Pair a fun, memorable activity with a meaningful purpose, like a donation.
- Celebrate the effort: Regardless of the outcome, acknowledge the collective effort and the difference made.
For more inspiration, search for videos of cereal box domino chains online. Watching thousands of boxes topple in perfect sequence is both mesmerizing and motivating!
A memorable experience
Even without a world record, Westgate students will likely remember this effort for years to come. They learned that success isn’t always measured in numbers—it’s about the positive impact you leave behind. In this case, that impact includes 300 families who will wake up to breakfast on their tables thanks to the school’s generosity.
The real takeaway? Even a box of cereal can become a catalyst for change.
Of the very few signatures in his yearbook, one was his own. Facebook/
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Representative photo by Super Straho | 
One little note led to an even more impactful exchange of texts. 
