Story by student reporter, Taylor Smith
Thomas County Central High School Social Studies department sponsored a tornado donations drive for victims of the severe weather that hit this region the weekend of Jan. 21-22.
“I decided to sponsor the drive because it is only by the grace of God that our community wasn't impacted more severely than it was,” sponsor Leigh Barwick said. “You can't watch the news and see the devastation and not want to do something to help. I believe as human beings we should desire to take care of one another.”
This drive was held the first two weeks of February and gathered more than 2,000 items.
“I am so pleased with the response of our students,” Barwick said. “TCCHS was able to bless numerous families through the generosity of our students and faculty members.”
The drive collected items such as clothing, non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, and recreational items for families to enjoy.
“I donated a bag of jeans, some shoes, and a bag of shirts,” student donor Lindsey Daniels said. “I chose these items because they were clothes I didn't fit or need anymore. I figured other people needed them more than I did.”
Participating in a good cause was a motivation for Jimmia Williams, the student who brought in the most donations.
“What motivated me to donate was the fact that the people who no longer have their homes and prized possessions needed things to call their own again,” she said.
There were 795 total items collected from the winning class. The class earned a pizza party for its effort to help others.
Winning class teacher Thomas Rinehart motivated his students by reminding them of how lucky and blessed they are, such as asking them “to imagine being completely without a home” and encouraging them through other inspirational discussions.
Williams is a member of Rinehart’s winning class.
“It's cool to be a part of the winning class but it’s not about winning,” she said. “It's about supporting others whenever you have the possibility to do so. This accomplishment made me feel like I actually helped people in need.”