Photo| Brittany Hunter
BENNETTSVILLE—The Marlboro County High School Class of 2009 has a motto, they’re the best. But in order to be the best, you have to help the community that shaped you, said class president Brittany Hunter.
So the members of the class came together and decided to start a community giveback that they hope to grow over time. They are collecting food items to give to needy families so that everyone can have a Thanksgiving meal this month. Hunter said they’re requesting items like boxed stuffing mix, and canned goods — like yams, soups, cranberry sauce, canned meat, and pie filling. The group is also asking for grocery store gift cards, pie crust, boxed macaroni and cheese, and other non-perishable food items.
Donations can be dropped off at Savor The Flavor restaurant located at 685 Hwy 15-401 in Bennettsville on Nov. 9 and Nov. 16.
Once the food is collected, the group will prepare Thanksgiving food boxes to share with people in the community. The food will be distributed on Nov. 22 during a festival, which will be hosted in the parking lot of Townsend Cleaners at 219 S. Liberty St., Bennettsville.
“We plan to do this yearly,” Hunter said. “With this being our first year, it’s probably going to be small, but we’re going to have activities. During homecoming, we decided that we wanted to give back to the community and build awareness, and help those in need. Everybody is always saying it’s boring in Bennettsville and we want to have other events. This is just our starting point. Our point is to start with a purpose.”
At the event, Hunter said they plan to have a food truck, face painting and a bouncy house for kids.
“We’re going to have pie, hamburgers, and hot dogs to give out people,” she said. “Everyone is welcome. We don’t want anyone to be ashamed of their situation, so it’s a mixed-community event.”
Hunter said the Class of 2009 also plans to start a scholarship to give to an MCHS senior and to host a back-to-school drive. She said the class hopes to inspire others to give back and take care of the community as well.
“This is not a class competition, but as you mature, you see the needs around you,” she said. “We want to do more and help and get more involved. It has to start. We can’t keep saying we’re going to do something and not do anything. We have to start somewhere.”