This post was published on Clayton News-Daily.com on Feb 5, 2018, by Heather Middleton
FOREST PARK — Babb Middle School students are helping to ensure their fellow classmates get a hot meal when school is not in session.
Lillian Mitchell’s eighth-grade students are participating in BackPack Buddies, part of the Lead2Feed Student Leadership Program. Students are collecting food items and bagging them for kids who need a little extra food to get them through the weekends or school breaks.
Mitchell said there are about 40 students in need at Babb, many of whom are identified as homeless by the school district.
The bags are filled with donated foods like canned pasta and soups, fruit and snacks.
“We’re trying to make sure they have enough for breakfast and lunch,” Mitchell said.
The class is part of the Family, Career, Community Leaders of America, a national Career and Technical Student Organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education.
Its mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leaders. Members develop skills for life through career development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation.
Students are working to spread the word about the program in their school and community. Eighth-grader Manitca Kheim said they’re writing and sending out letters to local churches and groups in Clayton County, asking for help. They’re also creating posters to display throughout their school
Kheim explained that spreading the word is an important part of the program’s goal.
“We can help them see that this is important,” Kheim said.
Mitchell said it’s about unleashing the power of people.
“One plus one equals three,” Mitchell said. “It means you bring someone along with you.”
Thalia Yanez said the project helps her and her classmates understand how fortunate they are.
“It makes us grateful for what we have,” she said.
It’s also made them much closer.
“We’re like a family. We all care for each other,” Yanez said.
Babb Principal Brenda Ross said the students are doing “really great things.”
“They’re just leaders,” she said. “A phenomenal group of students.”
To help Babb students continue to feed their fellow classmates, contact the school at 770-473-3248.