It is the job and responsibility of student council members to serve and represent their school in the best way possible for their community. Recently, Durant’s Senior Council did just that by feeding hungry families.

Early morning on May 25, newly-elected Senior Council members under the guidance of Principal Gary Graham volunteered at the United Food Bank of Plant City to distribute food to lower income families in the community. These volunteers worked to represent the food bank’s mission which is, “…to provide assistance for the needy in moving them from a ‘state of hunger’ and ‘impoverishment’ to self-sufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance.”

One of the many responsibilities that council members have is to volunteer at local organizations. One of the greatest joys of being a council member is making a difference in the community. “I believe it is important to volunteer because it connects you with the community,” said Senior Council Vice President Peyton Haxton. “You are able to see people from all walks of life and engage with them to better understand the people around you.”

Each volunteer was in charge of a specific part of the assembly line when handling the food distribution. From gathering vegetables and pastry items in boxes to placing them in the trunks of the families’ cars, each member played an important part in feeding dozens of families living in Plant City.

Isabel Hernandez, community relations officer, worked alongside two other council members to put together the boxes of food so they would be ready for distribution. She explains the purpose of the food bank. “[The food bank] offers people the ability to have some food security so they don’t have to constantly worry about their next meal,” said Hernandez.

Newly elected council member Paige Delaney was in charge of placing each food box in the individual families’ cars. “As volunteers we loaded families’ trunks from the community who came by to get food. They offer a very wide variety of foods in each crate,” said Delaney.

When asked why volunteering is important for the community, council members responded by saying the survival of these organizations is crucial because anyone could one day find themselves in need of this type of assistance. “It helps people be more grateful of their circumstances and be more compassionate,” said council member Kinsley Trlak. “I think it’s important to give back because you could very easily be in their position in the future.”

Secretary Gabby Alba said that organizations such as the United Food Bank of Plant City can’t achieve their mission without our help. “It is important to volunteer because if not, organizations such as these won’t be able to succeed or offer as much support to the community,” said Alba.

Volunteer opportunities help high school students understand real-world problems and expose them to different perspectives and challenges in their own community. It encourages students to be more thankful for the items they have and work towards making their community a better place to live for all.

Many volunteer opportunities are available at the United Food Bank of Plant City. Visit their website at ufbpc.org or call (813) 764-0625 for more information on how to volunteer and donate.