Interact students tout joys of Share work
Warren County High School’s Interact Club is gearing up for another day of hard work and cheerful giving. Every year, club members enthusiastically volunteer their time in what is usually cold weather to pack food boxes for Share A Christmas Dinner.
Last year, they packed and helped distribute, thanks to widespread community support, 525 Share dinners. This year will be no exception, says Interact Club president Katrina Allen.
‘We wouldn’t miss it,’ said Allen, who has been an Interact member for three years and has helped with Share for two. ‘I think it is a great way for those who want to give back to the community to do so. I think we are very blessed to live in a community with such great organizations that give back.’
Also helping pack and hand out food boxes for the Share program will be Interact Club’s sister organization, the middle school’s Youth Act Club. The time spent with the younger club members is what some Interact members like the most.
‘What I got from it the most was the interaction with the younger kids,’ said Interact treasurer Travis Young. This will be his second year helping with the Share program. ‘You could tell it meant something to them because they bonded with all of us really quick. We talked and made new friends. For one day, we are a united club.’
Despite often cold weather, members say they enjoy assembling food boxes as they come down the line off the truck. The cold does factor in, but it doesn’t keep the kids from pitching in and helping.
‘Your hands get really cold handling the cold stuff even though you have gloves on,’ said Interact secretary Ashlee Malone. This will be her third year with Share. ‘Despite the cold, it’s worthwhile. People are very grateful.’
As simple as a dinner may seem to some, those who receive it value the gift and the thought behind it at Christmas.
‘The holidays are all about giving back,’ said Allen. ‘It’s not just about receiving. You need to give. They might not be able to get all the things you get for Christmas. Even though you might not be giving something that is big to you, it is to them. Dinner is my favorite part of Christmas. I sit right in front of the country ham.’
With the days until Christmas counting down, donations to purchase the dinners these kids can’t wait to package are being accepted. Donations can be made by mail to Share A Christmas Dinner, P.O. Box 150, McMinnville, Tenn., 37111, attention Sharon Patrick, or by dropping it by the Standard office during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Those wishing to receive a dinner are asked to apply at the Department of Children’s Services. Food boxes will be distributed before Christmas, with letters being sent to those who will receive a box around the first week of December.