Small Town Times December Newsletter | Page 5

FBLA Reading Buddies The Litchfield FBLA started a mentor program called Reading Buddies. This started in September and is going really well. The reason this program got started is because it gave the high school students a chance to be in the elementary lives by helping them with their reading and math activities. The high school students spend an average of 5 hours a week with the kids. The stu- dents who are making a difference in these kids lives are Calvin Finley, Alana Betke, Rilee Howard, Faith Heapy, Kaylee Rosentreader, Nathan Wardyn, and Chloe Ellison. Above: Kaylee Rosentreader reading with an elementary group This program is also good because these FBLA kids can count this toward community service awards for state leader- ship by getting 50 service hours. As of November 1st, the FBLA members have contributed over 20 hours to this program. The only way to be successful in such a large project that benefits so many is through the cooperation and teamwork of school and community. The food drive was so successful because of the generous donations of com- munity members and students. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a success. FFA and FBLA Join Forces for a Successful Food The Litchfield FBLA and FFA organized a community food drive October 29-Nov 2nd. A goal of 500 items and 500 pounds was set by the FBLA group to collect for the drive. In order to be able to reach the lofty goal, all Pre-K –12 and staff collected goods for an all school class competition. Each day had a different theme of item to bring to get a variety of goods. On Halloween FBLA and FFA members went trick or treating for pantry goods in Mason City, Hazard, and Litchfield. Fourteen students spent several hours going house to house to add to the amount collected through classroom donations. After all items were collected, the total items collected came to 604 weighing 712 lbs. The 5th and 6th graders were the winners with a total of 128 cans. To reward them for their dona- tions, the FBLA chapter is providing them with an afternoon pizza party. The items collected will be donated to the local backpack program, local churches, food baskets for the Manor residents, and Custer and Sherman County Food Pantries.