AUGUSTA — Augusta Independent Schools has been conducting a coat and soup drive, organized by the Superintendent Advisory Council, comprised of junior and senior students.

According to Superintendent Lisa McCaine, learning service projects such as these are quite common in the school district.

“Each semester they (SAC) decide what type of service learning project they want to participate in,” she said.

Among the members of the SAC are Madison Kelsch, Hannah Arthur, Cameron White, Nicole Arthur, Stephen Cordle, Preston Philpot, Sam Appleman Becca Tabor, Clayton Jamison and McKenzie DeAtely.

Some activities students have organized, McCain said, are raising money toward cystic fibrosis research, the Wounded Soldier Project and even for families of the Marshall County High School shooting victims.

For this semester, the students are aiming their philanthropic efforts towards home, by gathering coats and non-perishable food items.

“They (SAC) established goals for the student body to gather 100 coats and 285 canned foods or non-perishable food items,” McCaine said.

The SAC also has devised rewards for schools to encourage donatons. McCaine said if the elementary school meets their goal, they will be rewarded with a Christmas movie during school and candy canes. The middle and high schools will get a dodgeball tournament along with a gift-wrapping contest.

Currently, students have gathered 55 coats and 150 food items. McCaine said the drive will be going on until Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Students will be giving out coats and bags of food on Dec. 19-20 at the Augusta Independent Schools library from 1-2:30 p.m., with the help of the Family Youth Service Center. McCain said the drive is open for any local families or friends of Augusta Independent Schools, and not limited by county.

Jonathan Wright

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