Collecting gifts and toys at this time of year is something many organizations do so needy children in the area can have a good Christmas, but oftentimes there are children and adults who are going without food this time of year as well.
To provide food for those in need this Christmas season, students involved in the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organizations at Russellville Middle School recently held a canned food drive.
FCCLA sponsor Rachel Agee said the students collected 1,065 cans that were donated to the Salvation Army to help with the extra demand they have around the holidays.
“We are so proud of our students for their hard work and contribution to make this donation possible,” Agee said.
She said the students created posters that they hung up at the school to raise awareness for their canned food project.
Agee said the students also motivated their classmates to bring in as many cans as they could.
FCCLA member Gustavo Salazar said it was amazing to be able to help others, and 7th grade SADD and FCCLA member Maleia Gist said she hoped the food the groups collected helped many families during the holidays.
“This canned food drive is a great way to make an impact in our community,” SADD secretary Alissa Young said.
“Every year through the combined efforts of the FCCLA and SADD clubs, we try to collect roughly one thousand cans for the less fortunate,” RMS SADD president Charlie Gordon added. “We are proud of what we have accomplished this year.”