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Franklin-Simpson Students and Staff Looking to Give Away Thousands of Items to the Needy

Kevin Willis

Students and staff at Franklin-Simpson Middle School are hoping to impact the less fortunate this weekend by offering thousands of donated items for free.

Over 750 students have helped collect furniture, clothing, toys, appliances, and household items that will be available Saturday morning during the second “Kids Caring for Our Community” event.

Sixth-grade teacher Cheyenne Brown spearheaded a similar effort in April that led to the collection of thousands of items that were given out to an estimated 500 people. She says the effort has been an incredible bonding experience for students from all different backgrounds.

“It’s really uplifting to see some kids who aren’t as fortunate as other kids, and then seeing how they’re all coming together to work—you can’t tell one from the other. Everyone is coming together to try to make somebody else’s holiday better.

Sixth-grade student Katie Bunch says she and her classmates have been busy over the last several months getting the word out about Saturday’s event.

“We’ve hung up over 4,000 fliers around the community, and some of us are even donating items. We’re telling all of our friends and family. We stay after school and help sort the items.”

Seventh-grade student Hallieanna Lindsey told WKU Public Radio that being involved in the “Kids Caring” effort has made her realize the joy of giving to others.

“I’ve recently been going into our Christmas decorations to see what we’re not using. I’ve been going through my closets to see what I have. So I’m bringing in a big couple of sacks worth of things I don’t use anymore, or my family doesn’t use.”

Cheyenne Brown says anybody in need is invited to attend Saturday’s event. She says April’s “Kids Caring” effort was attended by people from Simpson, Warren, Allen, and several northern Tennessee counties.

Saturday’s “Kids Caring for Our Community” giveaway is taking place from 8 a.m. until noon at the Franklin-Simpson Middle School gym.

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition.
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