A Winston-Salem father is volunteering his time to help middle school students get the necessary supplies they need amid the pandemic.As many families across the Piedmont Triad continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic, some school programs in the area are trying to address that, including a local program in Winston-Salem. William Herrera, a former officer and firefighter, volunteers at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Winston-Salem, where two of his three kids went, to help run the school's Patriot Pride Store. The store offers candy, chips, chocolate, pencils, notebooks, paper and other items students may want. Herrera said students earn fake money through acts of kindness, good behavior and improved grades, and they can use the money to purchase items at the store.While many kids enjoy a good snack or candy, recently, Herrera said the responses he's received from kids have personally touched him."When the kids ask, do you have any school supplies, mechanical pencils, glue sticks, notebooks, it hit me," Herrera said. Herrera said his passion to help kids with their education was sparked by his parents, especially his father. "My dad grew up without parents and no education," Herrera added. "Even if that, he pushed education on his kids, on us, and said this is your ticket out. This is how you better yourself."To this day, Herrera said he tries to instill his father's message to the kids around him.He said no matter what school your kids go to, there is most likely a group of students who need the extra support, especially during the pandemic. Herrera told WXII 12 News that he hopes the program will empower kids to invest in their future, and also make them feel more comfortable with getting help."Some kids are embarrassed to ask for it," Herrera said. "But this (Patriot Pride Store) makes them feel empowered that this is their money, and they’re spending it to what they need. We’re not giving it to them technically. They’re earning it."In order to make sure every kid gets the help that they need, he said it will take more parents to volunteer their time and resources."This is my community. I live here," Herrera said. "To find out the things that are going on in your own backyard, if I can help a little bit, if I can change one child’s life, then I’ve done my job."Herrera, a former firefighter and law enforcement officer, said he also volunteers his time with the Gang Steering Committee. He said the group serves all of Forsyth County and is led by community leaders who are trying to find resources to help support the youth within the community.Herrera told WXII 12 News that the executive committee is made up of 10 members, and the grassroots committee has around 24 members. He said the group works with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, etc. in order to provide as many resources as possible to steer kids in a positive direction. He added mentoring and guiding kids early on is critical to addressing the root issue of gun and gang violence."These kids are looking for role models," Herrera said. "They’re finding the role models in the wrong places. They’re looking for a sense of family, and they’re looking in the streets. If we can cut that off, start at a young age, these gangs are recruiting kids at a young age, and we need to start in fifth grade or before that."Herrera stressed to WXII 12 News that the program can help address gang and gun violence, but as of now, the group is lacking funding to provide all of the necessary resources to support the youth in the community.If you'd like to get involved, please contact the Winston-Salem Police Department for details.If you'd like to donate to Thomas Jefferson Middle School, please contact (336) 703-4222.You can also contact a local school nearby you, as many schools have a similar program in place to help kids.