The Jackson County Banner
BROWNSTOWN
With every nonperishable food item they collected, they thought about who would receive it and what difference it would make in their life.
The can of beans could be put in a bowl and microwaved for a family to share.
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The package of Ramen noodles could make several meals.
The box of cereal could help ensure they get something good for breakfast.
On Tuesday night, groups of Brownstown Central High School student council members visited different neighborhoods in town going door to door asking for donations.
Whether residents gave a couple of cans or a bagful, it all will go a long way to help keep the shelves stocked at Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry in Seymour.
“I think it’s a really good community service thing, and it gives back a lot. I’m all for that,” said senior Destiny Satterthwaite, president of the student council.
This was her second time participating in trick or treating for nonperishables around Halloween. The student council last did it two years ago.
Adviser Melanie Preston said events were limited last school year, resulting in the student council not being able to trick or treat.
“However, when the officers approached us about doing this activity, we decided to add it to our projects again,” Preston said. “Our students really like to help the community.”
Of the more than 40 student council members, 22 were able to help Tuesday night. Others had prior extracurricular commitments.
Satterthwaite had good memories of helping her sophomore and freshman years, so she was excited to have the opportunity again.
“What I remember the most is some people were super-inviting into their house so I could get the cans,” she said.
Going along with Satterthwaite on Tuesday night were juniors Chloe Carlin and Klarissa Wilburn and sophomores Abby Stuckwisch and Kennedy Street.
It was their first time to participate in the trick or treat event.
“We usually do a lot inside the school, so getting a chance to move outside the school is a big thing,” Stuckwisch said. “It’s a really good experience to see that people aren’t afraid to donate because a lot of times, you think a lot of people are kind of selfish, and (it’s good) just to see how many people are really willing to give.”
Carlin said she has volunteered at Anchor House before, so Tuesday’s trick or treating was another way to help.
“I know a lot of people that don’t experience that and they don’t truly see what people need every day that they are striving to get,” Carlin said of serving at Anchor House.
“It’s really eye-opening whenever you go there,” she said. “This time of year, they are starting to run low, it’s starting to get toward the end of the year, so the ones we collect can go to them so they can still provide for other families.”
Carlin said she realizes other students at school could be receiving help from Anchor House, which also offers a homeless shelter for families with children. That’s why helping with the nonperishable food drive meant a lot to her.
Wilburn said it’s important to be involved in the community.
“Just because other people are out there struggling and there’s a lot that we could do, but it’s hard to get involved,” she said of trying to find a project to do.
Street said helping others who are struggling makes her grateful for what she has.
“I hope to help others more and just get out in the community,” she said.
Preston said she likes seeing the students have fun together while helping others in Jackson County. Plus, they get to interact with families in the community.
“Many of our members already do other philanthropies, so I know they understand the importance of helping others,” she said. “I hope through this activity, they start to realize how their individual effort, no matter how small, can make a real difference in the world, even if it’s just for one person or family.”
The student council’s collection will be combined with items donated in October as part of a project in Robin Perry’s principles of business management class. That drive netted 1,313 nonperishables.
“We didn’t set a specific goal, so the total doesn’t matter for us,” Preston said. “Instead, our focus is to get the items to Anchor House as quickly as possible.”
Preston said she appreciates the community supporting the students’ efforts again.
“Every year, we are dumbfounded by the overwhelming support and giving of our community,” she said. “This is just one example of how our residents go above and beyond to assist others. We are so thankful for their continued support of this endeavor.”
The student council plans to do trick or treating again next fall.
“I really don’t think I need to encourage our community. A giving spirit already exists,” Preston said. “I just want to reiterate how appreciative student council is for the community’s support and participation.”