Thomas County Central High School students have helped stock the shelves of a local relief organization this holiday season.
TCCHS students participated in The Can Food Challenge, a three week drive to help The Salvation Army. The drive was organized by school club Divas of Tomorrow.
“I think the can drive is a very good idea because we are fulfilling a need in the community,” freshman Divas member Kordae’ Bowden said.
Third period classes collected cans and the winning class received a free pizza party. The drive ended Friday, Nov. 21, with the announcement that Laura Parkerson’s Advanced British Literature class won. The class has 21 students and donated more than 300 items.
“I was very excited to win,” student Ebonee Hopkins said. “Our class was in competition with Mrs. (Laura) Kornegay and Mrs. (Ashley) Olson. “To know our class was successful, I was very happy. It was all team work.”
Student Princess Senegal was glad to help others, regardless of the prize.
“I wanted to help because of the children, to make their holiday extra special,” she said.
Teacher Laura Parkerson said she is “very proud” of her class.
“Almost everyone contributed cans and we truly came together as a team,” she said.
The drive collected more than 1,800 canned goods and non-perishable food items. Students received one hour of community service for every five cans donated. Items were donated to the local The Salvation Army, which will distribute the food.
“The importance of students helping the less fortunate is to show compassion and love,” senior Divas member Katherine Bable said.
Divas of Tomorrow is sponsored by teachers Regina Beasley and Renae Moore. Its mission is “to enable young ladies to reach their full potential by building their self-esteem, developing values and skills while attaining a sense of belonging during a potentially critical time in their lives,” according to sponsor Regina Beasley.
“Mrs. Moore and I are always trying to teach our girls about the importance of giving back to the community,” Beasley said of the drive. “If there is a need, we should be there to lend a helping hand. It fosters a sense of purpose and pride. If they leave us with that, I feel that we have accomplished a lot.”
Club members said they are glad to be able to help their community this holiday season.
“I love that we are able to help others in our community this holiday season,” member Tara Johnson said. “Everyone deserves good holidays. And we do what we can to make it the best.”
The Salvation Army picked up the TCCHS drive items Friday afternoon.
“We couldn’t meet the needs in our community if it weren’t for the food drives, especially the school food drives,” Maj. Christina Taylor, executive director/pastor of The Salvation Army Thomasville Corps said. “Most of it is used for the people who come to us for emergency food supplies. It (the food) stays in our community.”
Taylor said helping the community is a partnership.
“The Salvation Army doesn’t have enough money to feed all the people in need in our community,” she said. “Those who can help provide the food come to us and help us give it to those in need.”
