Pupils fill food boxes for needy
Several schools in Columbia County start holiday drives to give to others
Students in Columbia County schools might be learning reading, writing and arithmetic, but they are also learning about helping others.
With the holidays approaching, several schools in the county are holding canned-food drives.
Abby Herrmann (left) and Mallorie Smith were among the Westmont Elementary pupils who gathered food to donate to the Salvation Army.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"We started with only 10 boxes, and in three days we had to get more boxes," said Nicole Thigpen, a fifth-grader and student council president at Westmont Elementary School. "The students are really into it, trying to get all the classes to participate."
And there's a little friendly competition involved. The class that brings in the most cans gets an ice cream party, and the pupil in each grade who brings in the most cans gets Blow Pops, bubble gum-filled lollipops.
"This isn't just for the treats, but to help those less fortunate than we are," Nicole said.
On Nov. 6, the 35 members of the student council - third-, fourth- and fifth-graders - sorted cans into boxes that line the front hallways of the school. Their goal was to collect 1,500 cans for the Salvation Army.
"We need to care for other people who don't have anything to eat or don't have any money to buy food," said Jace Hood, student council vice president.
Euchee Creek Elementary School is holding a canned food drive to benefit local charity United We Care through Friday. The school will hold another canned-food drive from Nov. 26 to Dec. 17 to benefit the Salvation Army.
"That way, we feel like we've touched the immediate community, as well as helping those around us," principal Wanda Golosky said. "Last year we ended up with two great big TV boxes full."
Pupils at Riverside Elementary School filled shoe boxes to be delivered to needy children through "Operation Christmas Child." The shoe boxes included pictures and letters for the children, along with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The boxes were collected Nov. 2-6.
"The project is to help brighten the holidays for a child who is less fortunate than we are and to learn about generosity and kindness, as well as needs and poverty," said Jennifer Rucker.
Bel Air Elementary School is also holding a canned-food drive to benefit the Salvation Army. Food will be collected through Friday.