BY KARISSA MILLER

The students at The Brawley School, an International Baccalaureate School, banded together to make sure other kids and their families have a hot meal for Thanksgiving this year.

The Brawley School hosted a food drive and students put together more than 100 baskets, containing  mash potatoes and gravy, green beans, and macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving along with a Food Lion gift card to use for the purchase of a turkey or ham.

They were shared at N.B. Mills Elementary earlier this week.

On Thursday morning, Lauren Jones, 14, unloaded several Thanksgiving baskets at Third Creek Elementary and Third Creek Middle.

“I think that if I were in their spot and I wanted Thanksgiving that they would do the same. I would appreciate it in the same way they would. If we are fortunate enough to have it, then we should be able to give it to them,” Jones said.

Jones said that their teacher had come in contact with COVID-19 and had to step down from her leadership role in the service project.

“The students at school, we had to organize them between each other and the moms that were there with the PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization),” Jones said.

She said that having a big family and a mom that works for a family helped her bring in 50 of the 100 baskets. The 50 baskets were valued at a total of $1,500.

This is Jones’ second year participating in the Thanksgiving basket project at her school. She said that she gets as much out of it as those she serves.

“It opened my eyes that some people don’t have a Thanksgiving. It makes you really sad. Us being able to give it to them is the greatest feeling. It makes your heart happy,” Jones said.

Jones also volunteers with the Christian Mission in Mooresville and enjoys giving back in her community.

Her mom, Kristi Jones, said she’s proud of her daughter.

“Lauren has a heart of gold. She’s very giving. She wants to give. She doesn’t want to receive,” she said.

Her mom said that she went out and got donations and also received a check for $1,000. Lauren donated the check to the PTSO so that the group could buy whatever was needed.

Third Creek Elementary Principal Jason Humphrey said it’s inspiring to see kids making a difference in the lives of others.

The school has a 90-percent free and reduced lunch population. Humphrey knows that some of his families may be struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The joy that her and her student government will give to someone is really appreciated. It’s nice to see students helping other students, just doing kind things goes a long way,” Humphrey said.

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