By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Watauga High School teacher Donna Wellborn had a problem. She couldn’t move around her classroom very well this past week.
That’s because helping others through community service is not lost on the current generation of high school student-athletes in the High Country, as demonstrated on Dec. 9 by the donation of 1,317 pounds — more than half a ton — of food collected at Watauga High School by Athletes for Good (AFG) to local food pantry, Casting Bread.
The student organization held a week-long food drive to increase food security in the High Country. They received food donations from students, teachers, staff, and administrators. Wellborn serves as the organization’s faculty sponsor and her classroom evolved as the food drive’s epicenter.
“I could not be prouder of these students for organizing this event,” said Wellborn. “Their hard work and the generosity of the Pioneer family are inspiring.”
Casting Bread board member Angie Gregg and its executive director, Sam Garrett, picked up the items from Watauga High School on Dec. 9, with help from the students in the loading.
“These students are amazing, and we are so grateful to them. When I was in high school, I focused more on myself than on helping others,” recalled Garrett. “It is wonderful to see young people experience the joy of giving to their community.”
Garrett explained to High Country Sports that the amount of food gathered by AFG and donated to Casting Bread will feed several families for an entire month.
“We filled the van and then also needed Angie’s truck to transport everything!” said Garrett.
About Casting Bread
Casting Bread is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2006. Casting Bread’s vision is to increase food security with a mission to provide food, compassion, and community. On average, Casting Bread distributes over 19,000 pounds of food monthly to 640 individuals, and it all takes place thanks to volunteers who serve more than 2,000 hours a month. To learn more about Casting Bread, visit www.increasefoodsecurity.org.
MORE IMAGES OF THE AFG STUDENT FOOD DRIVE (courtesy of Donna Wellborn)
