High school students learn value of giving through Share
The Share A Christmas Dinner program, sponsored by the Southern Standard and Warren County High School’s Interact Club, has officially had its kickoff and monetary donations have begun to accumulate.
Donations, no matter how big or small, are the lifeline for this program. Some of the county’s less fortunate depend on Share for a Christmas dinner they otherwise might not have.
“With economic conditions the way they are there is a tremendous need for this, especially during the holidays,” said Standard general manager Sharon Patrick.
What some people don’t realize about Share is the impact it has, not only the recipients of the food boxes, but also the people who organize the program and distribute the food boxes.
“The Interact group works so hard to make this project a success,” said Patrick. “And when we are able to provide for all the ones who request a box, we all come away feeling we’ve really done something good for somebody.”
Organizers say in years past the program has even received donations from youngsters of the community who sacrifice their own snack or ice cream money in an effort to help the needs of those in their community.
“As students, this program makes it possible for us to share the true meaning Christmas by giving to others while also teaching us about appreciating what we have,” said Kendra Savage secretary of Interact Club.
The Share A Christmas Dinner program began in 1981 when the Rotary Club of McMinnville approached Standard Publishing with an idea. Rotary wanted to establish a major community service project for the high school’s Interact Club.
From its inception, the project has continued to stick to its original mission, to provide a holiday meal to those who may not otherwise get one during the holiday season.
“We tell the students all the time, this may not seem like a big thing right now but this one small action can impact a large portion of the community for a lifetime,” said Debra Grepperud, Interact Club sponsor.
Anyone wishing to make a Share A Christmas Dinner donation can do so by dropping it by the Standard office, 105 College St., during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by mailing the donation to P.O. Box 150, McMinnville, Tenn., 37111, attention Sharon Patrick.