When a group of Franklin-Simpson Middle School students learned about the number of economically disadvantaged families in their community, they didn’t just talk about it in class.
They decided to do something to address the problem.
Franklin-Simpson 6th grade social studies teacher Cheyenne Brown and one of her sixth-grade classes have collected thousands of items from individuals and businesses including clothing, toys, household appliances, sporting equipment, and jewelry that will be given away at what they’re calling a “free sale” Saturday at the school.
Brown and her students printed over 4,500 flyers promoting the effort, set up drop boxes for items at local businesses, and got the word out through social and traditional media outlets.
“Items have been coming in like crazy from Russellville; Bowling Green; Gallatin, Tennessee; from Allen County—just everywhere imaginable,” Brown told WKU Public Radio.
She says some of her students involved in the project come from economically disadvantaged homes, and yet those same students have donated items to be given away at Saturday’s event.
Student Meredith Raby says reaching out to those in need has been a unifying experience for her classmates.
“It’s really been humbling to me because everyone has been able to work together for a common goal, people who have never gotten along before have been able to get along and work together, and it’s just been really amazing to see people work together for a common goal like that,” the 6th grader said.
The free sale being run by Kids Caring For Our Community is Saturday at Franklin-Simpson Middle School, from 8 a.m. to noon.
