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Students 'Getting Into The Habit Of Giving'

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune Correspondent

Published: October 28, 2007

LAND O' LAKES - During Red Ribbon Week each year, most school officials stage rallies and events aimed at explaining the dangers of drugs and encouraging students to 'just say no.'

In addition to other events during Red Ribbon Week, which began Monday and ends Wednesday, Pine View Middle School organizes a canned food drive to teach students about civic responsibility.

'The concept behind the drive is that students can contribute to their community in a positive way, both by staying away from drugs and giving to families in need,' said eighth-grade history teacher Yvonne Reed.

Each year, the canned food drive brings in more than 1,000 contributions for Harvest for Humanity. The food is distributed to families at Thanksgiving.

This year, school officials expanded the effort to collect money for Habitat for Humanity of Central Pasco. The food will go to Christian Social Services for distribution.

The school set a goal of at least 500 to 1,000 donations, but Reed expects her students to exceed those expectations.

'We'll have about 35 to 40 classes participating,' she said. 'These kids are so giving and caring.'

In class, Reed and other teachers emphasize the importance of helping others.

'We want to build awareness among the students, to teach them that some families may not be as comfortable as they are,' she said.

That message hit home with eighth-grader Tyler Witt, who donated $40 worth of canned food.

'I realize that I get everything in the world I want, and some kids don't get food or money to buy stuff,' said Tyler, 13. 'I like to help people and want to contribute.'

Sixth-grader Courtney Makinson donated $15 worth of coins and cashed in a savings bond she had hoped to spend on a computer or an iPod.

'My best friend's mom died of cancer last year, and it made me think more about other people,' said Courtney, 11. 'I want to help others.'

Jacquie Petet, executive director of Christian Social Services in Land O' Lakes, said she appreciates the kids' efforts.

'It's just wonderful,' she said. 'Every month, we give out tons of food to people who need it, and we offer guidance, referring people to other agencies that can help them.'

Students didn't just raid their families' pantries for food. They worked for donations.

'Some students collect cans outside of supermarkets and work with their church groups to collect for this campaign,' Reed said. 'They make this a community effort.'

While the school stages lots of events during Red Ribbon Week, learning the importance of civic responsibility may be the most important lesson of all, Reed said.

'Giving positively to the community is something that's important at any age,' she said. 'These students are getting into the habit of giving.'

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