Schoolbooks aren't alone in Liberty Elementary School lockers these days as students bring school supplies, nonperishable foods and other items to school to help needy families.

Physical education teacher Rob Smith said Liberty students are collecting items for the Locker Program, sponsored by Propel Sports Group, which pairs local sports stars with school groups to help fight childhood poverty.

A large locker belonging to Columbus Crew soccer star Frankie Hejduk stands in the school lobby, along with a life-size portrait board of Hejduk.

"Frankie's locker has been full several times, with school supplies in the first month and now nonperishable food items, in just a month," Smith said. "Frankie is a recognizable athlete and has an infectious personality.

"Many at the school know him through his time with the Crew," he said. "We're hoping Frankie can make a trip soon to visit the students."

Smith may know him a little better than most; Hejduk was his teammate when they were both on the 1996 Olympic team. Smith is also a past member of the Columbus Crew.

"It was a nice tie-in to the program, since we knew each other through past soccer experiences," Smith said.

"The Olympics were an incredible experience for me," he said. "It was very special being part of something that can have a worldwide impact."

Smith said fifth-grade teacher Nancy Hellickson's classes are also helping with the locker program.

"Nancy has a nice tie-in with the Olympics as well," he said. "Her husband was a silver medalist in wrestling in 1976 and captain of the U.S. wrestling team in 1980. They have also attended several Olympic Games as part of the NBC broadcast team for wrestling."

Smith said all grade levels were asked to contribute to "Frankie's locker" during the months of October, November, February and March, based on predetermined themes, such as school supplies, food and personal hygiene items.

Hellickson's class is helping to sort through the donations and will box items to be used for local charitable groups.

"The items will be donated to families in need at Liberty, a local food pantry and to the United Methodist Children's Home," he said. "If students are unable to donate items, there will be other ways to serve in this cool program."

Liberty Principal Jim Baker and Rick Bradley, the head of service learning for the district, presented the program, Smith said.

Smith said Hejduk is expected to visit the school toward the end of the program to speak about the importance of academics and giving back to the community and to put on a short soccer demonstration.

"It's important for students to have service opportunities as it helps them become aware of needs in their community," Smith said. "Sometimes families very close to their homes and maybe even students next to them in their classrooms are having a difficult time getting by.

"I have had the most joy in my life when I and my family are serving others and I hope to impart this same experience to my students," he said. "Our teachers have done a fantastic job helping students be a part of service opportunities at Liberty and our hope is this will have a lifelong impact on our students."

Liberty students have been involved in opportunities such as Penny Harvest, Kids in Action Food Drive and make regular visits to senior residents at Norworth in Worthington, he said.

To help with the program, or for more information, e-mail Smith at rsmith1@worthington.k12.oh.us.