“I mean it was just devastating. My family didn’t even expect it and we’re lucky my uncles are okay, but the storm took a lot,” senior Sarrah Der-Ballout said.

Just weeks after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the MSMS community raised necessities for the victims transitioning to survivors.

Last month, United Way held a kickoff to sponsor all the smaller non-profit groups in the Lowndes-County area. These groups ranged from Girl Scouts to Safe Haven, a group against domestic violence, and yet the Red Cross stood out the most to Ms.Latoya Bledsoe, MSMS United Way Representative.  

“This was just after Hurricane Harvey and the supply list was so obviously geared towards children and families that I wanted to do something,” Bledsoe noted.

Donations on the list included toothbrushes and toothpaste, batteries and flashlights, non-perishable foods, clothes, baby items, books, small toys etc. As Head Residential Assistant of Goen Hall, Bledsoe always looking out for children, especially MSMS students.

According to Bledsoe, “Service is one of the pillars of MSMS and I feel that I can engage students out of the community and involved while also letting this programs know about the school.”

The month-long event was mutually beneficial for both parties, and while the drive is over on Oct. 10, Bledsoe encourages students to volunteer throughout the year. Bledsoe learned a lot of information at the kickoff and can assure that if a student comes to her with ideas, together they can work something out. True to her word, throughout the drive, Future Business Leaders of America served alongside Ms.Bledsoe.

The drive was not only enjoyable for FBLA members but also a small opportunity in their ‘Lead The Way’ state-wide project.  According to FBLA President Brianna Ladnier, “FBLA has a statewide project called Lead the Way, and it motivates students to hold a Red Cross Drive. Our members photograph, record and motivate students to bring items throughout the entire experience.”

The drive is coming to an end and Bledsoe will take a couple of students to United Way and present the collection of donations. That would end the first service opportunity of the month but there are more to come, especially if students enact their fourth MSMS ideal of service.