A local chapter of the Communities in Schools network has been given an Unsung Heroes Award for its work at Kennedy Elementary School.

The northeast Kansas chapter of CIS has provided basic needs, such as food, clothing, school supplies and transportation, to economically disadvantaged students at Kennedy for three years. The site coordinator for CIS at Kennedy is funded through the United Way of Douglas County.

The Unsung Heroes Award recognizes its local chapters for “changing the picture of education in America,” according to a news release. The northeast Kansas chapter is one of four chapters across the country to receive the award this year.

CIS is a national network of independent organizations that work to prevent dropouts.