Many FFA members are familiar with the first paragraph of the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany. However, the Bergman FFA Chapter in northwest Arkansas is more familiar with the last paragraph.
By exerting an influence in their community, members continue to stand solid for their part in the inspiring task of serving others. Throughout the years, this chapter’s holiday tradition continues to leave a lasting impact on many.
Each year, Bergman FFA members visit The CALL, a local nonprofit that specializes in helping foster children in need. The CALL has an angel tree program for community members to help spread Christmas cheer. This program aids foster parents by providing donated gifts to children placed in their care.
This past holiday season, FFA members picked out a young boy and girl from the angel tree program. The CALL provided a list of needs and wants for shopping ease, along with a large gift bag to return the items in.
To begin their shopping adventure, Bergman FFA members were tasked with finding quality items on the need and want lists for each child. Although the task may seem easy, members were asked to keep the cost below $200 per child. To help stay on budget, their advisor, Clint Simmons, offered the following advice: “Try to buy items you would personally want, rather than picking out the most affordable option.”
Focusing on each child’s needs before working down to the wants list meant Bergman FFA could purchase the majority of the needed and wanted items for both children.
In the United States alone, there are 369,000 children in the adoption and foster care system. In recent years during the holiday season, Bergman FFA has helped hundreds of foster children in its surrounding community.
What are you going to do to make a difference and leave a lasting impact on those around you?
