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Straughn Middle School students held a food drive before the Christmas break and gave back to the community with 419 pounds of food donated to the Christian Service Center in Andalusia.

Spearheaded by the SMS Peer Helpers program, the food drive began on Dec. 2 and concluded on Dec. 13. Once the food drive was over, all food was delivered to the CSC on the final day.

“We wanted to select a community-centered project that would extend beyond Straughn Middle School,” SMS Eighth Grade History Teacher Trae Bowen said. “It was great for our students to make a first hand impact on the people of our community. Upon delivering our items, our students learned about the process of distribution and how the Christian Service Center works on a day-to-day basis. Our students were eager to expand and provide more assistance in the distribution of the food. We plan to go back and actually hand out the food next time.”

With over 40 Peer Helpers involved, students were selected from each grade level to oversee the project.

Presley Sanders, Rayden Rodgers, and Rosie McCart represented the sixth grade.

“I became a Peer Helper at SMS because I wanted to be able to help others. Being involved with the food drive gave me a great feeling knowing other people were being helped. By giving back this way, it helps the community grow and shows that everyone can do something,” Rodgers said.

Addyson Holmes, Emma Henderson, Emma Brown, and Navaeh Tillery represented the seventh grade.

“I decided to join Peer Helpers at my school to be able to help and talk to people when they are hurting mentally or being bullied. I was glad to be able to help my community and be of service to them. I am glad to help because if people did not give food to places like this, then the place could be shut down,” Brown said.

Hunter Holmes, Emmaline Mitchell, and Brooklyn Cross represented the eighth grade.

“Being an SMS Peer Helper allows me the chance to help people in need, to get to know people better, and also to see the differences we have in our school. With the food drive, I enjoyed learning about how our community helps people in need and seeing how they do it. I am glad to help because it shows how much hard work and good deeds a community can do and serve the needs of its people,” Mitchell said.

In addition to Bowen, SMS physical education teacher Scott Kinsaul and SMS guidance counselor Ellen Sikes also offered assistance with the food drive.

“It was an honor to help our students and see them give back to their community. SMS plans to make this an annual event each year,” Kinsaul said.

For more information call the Straughn Middle School office at 334-222-4090.