Students Participate in Canned Food Drives
DRESDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH COALITION - DMS Youth Coalition members who led the effort include (Front Row, L to R) Alyssa Staples; Hanna Hale; (Second Row, L to R) Hannah Bennett, Haven Medley, Nate Tarver, Skylar Irvan, Erica Henderson, Hayle Alford, Marissa Owens, Rylee Cousins, Crayden Ganoe; (Back Row, L to R) Kierra Collins, Chloe Swatzell, Kyli Boyd, Anabelle Spence, Myra Morgan, Trinity Thomas, Carmen Clark. Students at Dresden Elementary brought in 1,713 cans, which will soon be on the shelves at Santa’s Helpers. As a result of bringing in the most items, Sherry Hatchel’s second graders will receive a pizza party. Dresden High School donated their more than 500 cans to the City of Dresden Pack the Farmers Market drive.[/caption] 
YELLOWJACKETS UNITE FOR THE CAUSE - Greenfield School also took part in WCMT-UTM Can Caravan. The entire school participated and the high school business communications class helped box the more than 550 items to be transported from Greenfield to WeCARE ministries in Martin. Seen here are: (front row, left to right) Maura Shelton, Katelyn Jones, Carson Miller, Sydney Morris, Angela Campbell, Makenzie Brock; (back row) Emma Crews, Amelia Crews, Paige Doerr, Gunnar Black, Bryce Holliman, Blake Holliman, Danielle Witt.Students Participate in Canned Food Drives
WEAKLEY COUNTY (December 11) - Weakley County Schools spent the days after Thanksgiving thinking of their neighbors as they collected canned goods for those in need during the holiday season. Some schools participated in WCMT and UT Martin’s annual Can Caravan which will benefit WE CARE Ministries. Others donated directly to area efforts. In all nearly 12,500 food items were given to address area hunger needs. Dresden Middle School launched its canned food drive as part of their recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Week. More than 2,000 cans were collected and will be shared with Santa’s Helpers in Dresden. The Can Caravan saw Gleason, Greenfield, Sharon and Martin schools contributing.
Melody Hopper, sponsor of the Gleason Elementary Beta Club, said the club ensured the entire school (minus pre-K) participated in this year’s drive. They collected 763 cans.
The DMS Youth Coalition took the lead in organizing the collection. To encourage participation, Dresden Bucks (for use in the school store next week) were offered to the top five individual winners in each homeroom class. Grade levels and the overall winners will enjoy parties to mark their success.
The Can Caravan saw Gleason, Greenfield, Sharon and Martin schools contributing.
Melody Hopper, sponsor of the Gleason Elementary Beta Club, said the club ensured the entire school (minus pre-K) participated in this year’s drive. They collected 763 cans.
Sharon continued their annual tradition of supporting the Can Caravan. Students who participated received SOAR Bucks to use in next week’s on-campus Christmas Store.
MARTIN MIDDLE SCHOOL DONATIONS - Martin Middle School took in 2, 579 canned goods. Each year, SRO Jimmy Brown presents the homeroom who collects the most cans with a pizza party. This year Mary Perry’s 8th grade class brought in 1,016 cans to enjoy that reward.[/caption] 
MARTIN PRIMARY SCHOOL COLLECTIONS - Martin Primary collected 1,000 cans. Harbor Duke, Knox Bannon, Cheyenne Spicer, Davis Wade Leyhue, Olivia Rea and Lane Oglesby are shown here assisting Wanda Fields, MPS School Secretary/Bookkeeper, in preparing the goods for pick up. Martin Elementary students gathered 2,315 food items. The grade level that donated the most will get to have an extra PE time. The winning homeroom will celebrate their efforts by throwing “snowballs” (spoons of whipped cream) at Principal Patresa Rogers next week.[/caption]
