The junior class at West Lowndes High School did what it could to help the less fortunate this holiday season.
In an effort spearheaded by Jay Little, class president, the students spent roughly a month gathering clothes, blankets and toiletries to be donated to local organizations. The drive was called the “Love Thy Neighbor Holiday Clothing Drive.”
“This clothing drive was a way for us to show that a group of young adults enjoys giving back to our community and helping others in need,” Little told The Dispatch. “We wanted to spread the holiday cheer and embrace the spirit of giving.”
The group of students began collecting items on Nov. 10 and continued for about a month. They collected items for women, children and men. They sought out donations from West Lowndes students and faculty, as well as members of the community, according to Little. The effort was supported by West Lowndes High School principal Cynthia McMath.
Little said that while the donations helped others who were in need, it also taught the students about being civic leaders.
“We really enjoyed sponsoring this event,” he said. “We are so privileged to have the finer things in life — and not necessarily the finer things, but the needs of the common man.”
The group gave the materials it raised to Safe Haven Women’s Shelter and Last House on the Block Sober Living Environment.
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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