Many people need a helping hand at some point in their lives. That’s why students at one Buffalo school are trying to make it easier to get that assistance.

“If one member of our community isn't doing well, it's sort of up to the other members of the community to assist,” said Laura Phillips, a social worker at the International Preparatory School At Grover.

Students at the International Preparatory School in Buffalo learn that firsthand.

“We want to provide a lot of service for the community, and I feel like Good Deeds Grocery just does exactly that,” said 11th-grader Umma Shek.

Shek and her friends are among the 15 to 20 students who help out at the store.

“A lot of students are in need nowadays, and they aren't able to have the essentials that some people have,” she said.

They unload and stock food deliveries, fold and wash clothes and generally keep things running.

“I feel like having students run here is another way to show that people are struggling nowadays and our students are able to help them out, with food and everything,” added 11th-grader Zainab Iqbal.

Started in 2020 as a response to unmet needs in the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s continued to grow, with partnerships with Goya, FeedMore and Say Yes.

There have been around 250 orders placed this school year alone, but it’s all for free.

“We try to maintain privacy and confidentiality as much as possible," said Phillips. "We developed the QR code system so that kids could order privately at any time during the day and that I'm the only one who actually knows who's placing the orders.”

Phillips helped oversee the store.

“We are at our best when we are taking care of the people around us," she added. "And there are times in our life that sometimes we need to be taken care of, so it's kind of part of the circle of life.”

From replacing clothes with holes in them to offering diapers to take home, the store is important.

“It helped me a lot at home. There were like times that I needed food at home,” said 10th-grader Kenash Ortiz.

He is one of the students who took that help and is now paying it forward.

“It made it so much [more] comfortable because I didn't have to go to a store and spend money,” he added.

So whether they’re on the receiving end, the giving end or both, the bottom line here is simple.

“I like to be able to share this idea that about one good deed can change the world," said Phillips. "I know it's a little kind of Pollyanna, maybe, but I really believe that it's true.”

The store is open as needed and for emergencies during school hours. Community members can also come on some Saturdays. If you’re interested in helping or donating, reach out to the school’s office.